Agriculture Agriculture is the main economic activity with tea farming and dairy production at the top of this sector. Food crops are grown in the area with maize being the area’s staple food. Tea earns the residents of the county most of their revenue. A number of tea factories are owned by the Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd, while others are private. The dairy industry is a major player in contributing to household incomes: 79% of the earnings in the livestock sector are generated from the sale of milk. Projections �� Irrigation will improve the production of maize and vegetables. �� Coffee production in Ndanai to be expanded. �� Opportunities for more tea factories exist. �� Food security to be improved through alternative crops. �� Marketing network for produce and exporting through co-ops. �� Storage of food crops, distribution centres and processing plants. The Governor’s objective in his agenda for Bomet County is to triple the earnings per year to Ksh.9 billion in fi ve years and to increase the level of employment in the sector to 10,000 people, with indirect employment of over 50,000 people. Efforts towards increased agricultural production would see the County contribute a substantial portion toward the country’s food requirements and consequently provide income for its people. Health The County has one public hospital at Longisa. Tenwek Private Hospital and Kaplong Mission Hospital continue to give regional healthcare a major boost. There is a need to ensure that at least every constituency has a fully-fl edged hospital. The Governor’s vision is to increase the number of fully equipped hospitals, further equip the current medical institutions, and partner with other counties to increase the number of specialised clinics and to promote preventive measures by observing proper sanitation. His vision concerning health also includes the establishment of a dispensary in every village with at least a clinical offi cer to prescribe drugs and every ward to have an ambulance to facilitate movement of casualties/patients to the health facility. Education Other than early childhood development education, primary and secondary schools still fall under the national government. Counties are battling to have this level of education put under their control to enable proper administration and development. To eliminate poverty and improve living standards, the levels of illiteracy need to be reduced through the introduction of the following centres: early childhood development, adult education, vocational training and home crafts. Infrastructure Infrastructure remains an important factor for development, notably the need for adequate power supply, telephone connectivity and water and sewerage. The Governor has underscored the need to improve roads, railways and airstrips to ensure good and effi cient communication. Several waterfalls are good for small hydropower projects such as the communitymanaged Iria Maina hydro power project with potential to generate 3 MW. Trade is conducted in the urban centres of the region with a number of fi nancial institutions offering banking and credit services to the people of the County. Micro-fi nance initiatives, along with government loans for the youth and women, would see an increase in trade, and in household incomes. Tourism Bomet County is a key route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Good opportunities for eco-tourism exist in the Mau Forest - the largest water catchment area in Kenya, with many rivers originating from the forest including the Mara River. The County welcomes investments through Public- Private Partnerships. Sports and Culture/Conferencing Improvement of sports facilities will not only provide more revenue but will give the youth an opportunity to socialise and realise their sporting dreams. To promote culture, the proposed cultural centres and museums will generate income through tourism. Contact Daniel S. Ole Nkere, Clerk to the Assembly Tel: +254 723 72 4030 Email: bometcountyassembly@gmail.com www.bometcounty.or.ke Economic and Investment Opportunities
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