Noreb taps Jambojet in deal to spur tourism in region
Wycliff Kipsang @wsang08
North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) counties have entered into a partnership with JamboJet to market tourism sites in the region.
The deal, dubbed ‘Travel Ready,’ brings on board the Ministry of Tourism to create a regional tourism profile and to boost tourism in the region.
Noreb chief executive Dominic Biwott says the bloc will identify areas where JamboJet can play a role in marketing the region’s tourism sites.
“The North Rift Tourism profile will set the stage for tourism activation for the eight counties and open the region as favourite tourism destination,” Biwott told People Daily yesterday.
North Rift region
JamboJet acting managing director Karanja Ndegwa said the region has a big potential in tourism which he said is yet to be marketed fully.
“This region is endowed with untapped potential in tourism. There are many places of interest which need to be marketed so that the tourists can visit,” said Ndegwa.
Noreb counties are keen to tap on high profile local and international investors to generate revenue to unlock investments in the region that is a gateway to the East and Central African countries as well as tap on the underutilised Eldoret International Airport to export its agriculture produce.
Each county is to single-handedly undertake a flag-ship project and supported by other counties.
Nandi county is to put up a milk processer, Baringo (coffee processer), Elgeyo Marakwet (sports tourism), Turkana (tourism), West Pokot (meat processer) while Uasin Gishu (industrial hub) and Trans-Nzoia (maize milling plant).
The bloc brings together Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Nandi, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet counties and was launched in 2015 but has failed to attain its vision of transforming the lives of more than 10 million residents.
Insecurity concerns
With insecurity posing a major threat to development and investment in the region, Noreb counties are in the process of completing validation of an analysis they have carried out on the causes of conflicts towards establishing a peace and security framework for the region.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago who is also the Noreb chair said devolved units have already completed the development of a policy aimed at building a disease free region for quality livestock.
“To boost investments and trade the region is in a bid of helping the member counties harmonise tarrifs and other chargeable fees to their business communities, “ said Governor Mandago. To boost exports Noreb will leverage Eldoret International Airport.
