A Chinese firm on Wednesday sealed an agreement with a Kenyan county government to set up an ultra-modern fish processing plant.
Beijing Xidan Company Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)with Nakuru county government to set up the plant in Naivasha, one of the fastest growing towns in the East African nation.
Expressing his joy over the firm's interest in setting up the plant 120 km northwest of Kenyan capital Nairobi, county governor Kinuthia Mbugua said the presence of the processing plant could bolster commercial fish farming in the area.
"I had promised the fishermen in Naivasha that I could build a processing plant in the area and for sure this MOU rubber stamp's my pledge to them," he said.
Mbugua was optimistic that the plant could promote the fish industry in the county as well as increase fishermen's income.
At least half a million people depend on the fishing activities ongoing at Lake Naivasha, with about 100,000 of them directly involved in harvesting fish that are sold locally and regionally.
Yang Bo, the representative from the Chinese firm, said 9 million U.S. dollars could be spent in putting up the plant. Construction is expected to begin early next year after acquisition of land and undertaking of environmental and physical assessments.
"The processing plant could contribute to the county's social and economic growth. It will create employment and earn the county revenue in form of cess," Yang said.
He said the plant is projected to employ about 400 locals and generate new revenues of 30, 000 dollars annually for the county.
