The County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Martha Cheruto has affirmed the governor’s commitment to the establishment of county aggregation centers aimed at promoting value addition of various products.

Speaking during a visit to Gavofoods International and Gooseberry Delight Enterprises in Ilulla, Kapsoya ward, Ainabkoi Sub County, CECM Cheruto noted that the centers will play a critical role since the already value-added products can be exported with ease.

My docket objective is to support SMEs through capacity building, marketing and exports of their products to local and international markets,” said CECM

She said they are looking forward to having various county enterprises’ products in external markets through partnerships and links with Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).

Cheruto further called on the county residents especially the youths to tap gooseberry farming as it is an opportunity to create not only wealth but employment.

On his part Trade and Industrialization Chief Officer Elphas Kesio said the department will empower and give support as well as general advice on the safety of products noting that the two enterprises will be a central focus for farmers to benchmark.

We will also guide them on the level of compliance especially in food handling because of export restrictions,” added Kesio

Lilian Bitok co-founder of Gavofoods International and her counterpart for Gooseberry Delight Tony Mwarey lauded the county government for mentoring them on entrepreneurship matters, capacity building on product development, financial management, customer experience and products exhibition support within the East Africa Community (EAC).

Trade Director Kipleting Mengich, Trade chief development officer Edwin Korir and Brenda Rono from Investment and Industrialization directorate were present.