Maize farmers in Busia to get ready market
Maize farmers from Busia County will now not tussle to look for market for their produce.
This is after a private investor opened a Ksh. 120M maize mill in Busia town with a capacity to grind 100 tons of maize a day.
Western Deluxe Maize Millers with Halisi as the main brand will retail at Ksh. 90 per 2 kilograms packet while the I kg packet will sell at Ksh. 45.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong presided over the launch of the milling plant in the ceremony also attended by Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa and County Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa.
The factory proprietor John Kariuki said the dream to start the factory came in February 2014 after the Busia Business Forum which was convened by the Governor.
Kariuki said the factory has employed 71 people directly and thousands of residents indirectly and assured farmers of a ready market for their maize if they increase maize acreage.
Ojaamong said it is historic day since its is first milling factory to be formally launched since Busia came into being.
He said the launch of two sugar factories, cassava processing plant and Fruit Juice factory will see the creation of over 10,000 jobs throughout the county.
“The County is moving forward contrary to skeptics that it was moving backwards. President Uhuru Kenyatta will in May commission a Ksh. 64m power project in Busia that will be extended to other parts of the county.” he revealed.
Busia County has many business opportunities with 12 banks and each making profits,” he said, adding that his government will accord businessmen good investment opportunities.
Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa said the County Government will promote value additions and support local hotels grow by using their facilities.