Page 60 - MANDERA-COUNTY- THE 2019 MAGAZINE

60

Industry
The economy is broadly divided into The county has confectionery The county has There are three main banks in the county
three industries - primary, second- and small manufacturing indus- trading centres in (Kenya Commercial Bank, National Bank
ary and service. While production in tries based in major towns - four seven sub-county and Equity Bank) with also auto branch at
primary and secondary industries for drinking water, four bakeries headquarters, where Elwak. With the business environment fa-
results in output of tangible goods, and three for leather tanning. This 7,800 traders are vourable, micro insurance institutions are
outputs of the service industry are is a clear indication of Mandera’s licensed retailers, taking shape with presence three local in-
largely not tangible. potential to become an industrial 605 licensed surance firms in county providing both third
Service industries include whole- hub. The county government is on wholesalers and party and comprehensive insurance.
sale and retail trade, repairs, trans- a mission to attract major indus- 4,070 other licensed
port and storage, accommodation tries for gypsum (cement), honey, businesses The challenges that could face the business
and food services, information and leather, solar energy, Arabic gum environment usually relates to insecurity
communication, financial and insur- processing, with 650 hectares of and power supply that affects the opera-
ance activities, real estate, profes- land allocated for investment and tions of the business sector.
sional, scientific and technical ac- tax subsidies granted to ease the
tivities, administrative and support establishment of industries.
service activities, public admin-
istration and defence, education, To support the Jua Kali (informal)
human health and social work, arts, sector (blacksmiths, tailoring, weld-
entertainment and recreation. ing, mechanical, pottery), the coun-
Mandera County has huge resourc- ty is establishing and equipping
es whose potential remain largely model cottage industries in all sev-
unexploited for industrial invest- en sub-counties. This will help in-
ments and are used or exported in crease employment opportunities,
raw primary form without any value and access to new markets due to
addition. The hospitality, transport, product standardisation, enhanced
construction and manufacturing skill pool to drive productivity, in-
small, medium industries offer new creased investments and ease of
investments opportunities with new doing business.
players entering the market.
Financial institutions
The ministry is in the process of es- The financial and insurance activi-
tablishing small and medium fruit ties sector covers business related
processing plants for value addition to financial intermediation activities
to basic raw materials. Branding, la- including central and commercial
belling and packaging will improve banking, credit institutions, forex
market value and export potential, bureaus, insurance, reinsurance
and earn more returns for further re- and pension funding and activities
investment to create more employ- auxiliary to financial services and Mandera County residents have been beneficiaries of financial
ment opportunities. insurance activities. inclusion, with three major banks - KCb, National bank and Equity
bank - offering banking services.