Eldoret, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of Uasin Gishu County, is rapidly ascending the ranks as one of Kenya’s most promising economic engines. This transformation was on full display at the 2025 Eldoret International Business Summit, a high-level gathering of government officials, investors, and industry leaders focused on trade, manufacturing, and investment opportunities in the region.

Keynotes delivered by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Willy Kennei, and Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) Chairman Richard Cheruyot painted a bold picture of Eldoret’s future as a premier business destination.

A Strategic Vision for Global Investment

Governor Bii, serving as the summit’s chief guest, was bullish on the region’s prospects. Highlighting the county’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and the operational Export Processing Zone (EPZ), he declared Eldoret ready for global business.

“Eldoret is no longer just a town of promise; it is a destination of choice,” said Governor Bii. “With our EPZ fully operational, we are creating a fertile environment for both local entrepreneurs and global investors to thrive.”

Bii emphasized Eldoret’s transition from a predominantly agricultural area to a diversified economic hub, noting that enhanced logistical capacity and the rise of export-oriented industries are setting the stage for international trade.

A Gateway for Growth: Infrastructure and Incentives

To catalyze this growth, the county government announced a suite of investor-friendly incentives. Among the most notable was a tax holiday for businesses operating in the EPZ until they reach break-even—a move aimed at reducing the financial strain on startups and attracting sustained foreign direct investment.

“From coffee and tea to avocados and macadamia, our agricultural output is impressive,” Bii added. “Now, with our world-class airport, we’re ensuring these goods reach global markets swiftly.”

Eldoret International Airport is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. A surge in air traffic, especially over weekends, underscores the growing interest in the city as both a business and leisure destination. “The demand is clear,” Bii said. “The world is taking notice.”

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Eldoret’s Boom

Willy Kennei, Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce, underscored the significance of Eldoret’s elevation to city status—a milestone that has accelerated infrastructure development and drawn the gaze of international investors.

“Eldoret is gaining real momentum,” Kennei said. “This summit has drawn unprecedented investor interest, and our infrastructure is rising to meet the demand.”

He pointed to the ongoing extension of Eldoret International Airport’s runway by 500 meters and the upgrading of fueling systems—measures that will significantly improve capacity for cargo and passenger aircraft alike. Eldoret’s location, near East African ports and with favorable airfare rates to destinations like Dubai, makes it a strategic launchpad for global commerce.

EPZ: Driving Kenya’s Manufacturing Future

EPZA Chairman Richard Cheruyot laid out the national vision behind the Eldoret EPZ—designed as a catalyst for manufacturing and agro-processing across the North Rift.

“Eldoret is at the heart of Kenya’s breadbasket,” said Cheruyot. “The EPZ will serve not just the local economy, but the entire region, aligning with our national goal of positioning Kenya as a global manufacturing hub.”

He announced tax incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday, and revealed that 11,000 square meters of industrial space had already been earmarked. For businesses needing more room, subsidized land would also be made available to support expansion.

“This is more than a facility—it’s a one-stop center with everything businesses need to succeed,” Cheruyot said, urging local entrepreneurs to seize the moment and leverage the government’s support.

A Community-Driven Economic Transformation

With the summit set to continue for three more days, Eldoret is abuzz with energy and optimism. Local leaders believe the stars are aligning for the town—and the wider North Rift—to become a key economic engine not just for Kenya, but for the entire East African region.

“We’re not talking about a dream anymore—we’re living it,” concluded Governor Bii. “The foundation is set, the opportunities are here, and the time to invest in Eldoret is now.”