Anna Bańkowska, Deputy Marshal of the West Pomeranian Region in Poland inspecting a guard of honour at the Uasin Gishu county headquarters

The Uasin Gishu government is seeking to attract Polish investment in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology and infrastructure into the county.

The move is part of efforts to strengthen Eldoret city as a regional economic hub.

Governor Jonathan Bii on Tuesday hosted a delegation led by Anna Bańkowska, Deputy Marshal of Poland’s West Pomeranian Region, to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties.

Bańkowska is on a three-day visit of Uasin Gishu.

Her delegation included representatives of 12 Polish companies specialising in agricultural machinery, fertiliser production, cosmetics, food-processing equipment, railway engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and industrial technology.

The programme includes targeted engagements and site visits designed to help the companies assess local opportunities and identify potential business partnerships.

Bii said the county was positioning itself as an investment destination, supported by its agricultural base, expanding commercial activity and Eldoret’s growing status as a regional city.

“Our county is increasingly attracting attention as a destination for investment. As Eldoret grows into a regional city, we are opening new opportunities for businesses, industries and investors to participate in our economic transformation,” the governor said.

Bańkowska said Poland was ready to explore investment opportunities and collaborate with the county in areas of mutual interest.

“Poland is ready to invest and collaborate with Uasin Gishu county. Our delegation brings together companies with diverse expertise, and we are here to explore opportunities for partnership, exchange knowledge and establish business relationships that can deliver mutual benefits,” she said.

The delegation’s areas of expertise offer potential opportunities in agricultural mechanisation, fertiliser supply, food processing, industrial technology, digital security and infrastructure development.

For Uasin Gishu, whose economy is anchored on agriculture, such partnerships could support efforts to improve productivity, expand value addition and strengthen links between farmers and markets.

Bii said the county wanted to move beyond producing raw materials by attracting investment in processing and manufacturing.

“We want to move beyond producing raw materials to expanding value addition, strengthening manufacturing and creating more opportunities for our people. Partnerships with companies that bring technology, expertise and investment can help us achieve these objectives,” he said.

The visit comes as Eldoret builds on its city status, conferred in August 2024, and its role as a commercial centre serving the North Rift and neighbouring regions.

The county government says it wants the city's growth to translate into employment, enterprise expansion and improved livelihoods, rather than physical development alone.

“We want Eldoret’s growth to open doors for businesses and opportunities for our residents,” Bii said.

Bańkowska commended Bii for facilitating the engagement, saying such visits were important in building trust, identifying opportunities and laying the foundation for lasting partnerships.

The county government said it was seeking investors whose technology, expertise and capital could strengthen local industries and create opportunities for farmers, young people and entrepreneurs.

“Our objective is to build partnerships that deliver results. We welcome investors who see the potential of Uasin Gishu and are ready to explore opportunities that create jobs, strengthen our industries and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” Bii said.

Uasin Gishu’s courtship of Polish investors reflects the growing pressure on counties to turn Eldoret’s city status into tangible economic gains. The delegation offers opportunities in agro-processing, manufacturing and technology, but the real test will be whether the engagement produces concrete investments, jobs and markets for local farmers. As the county pursues international partnerships, residents will need evidence that the promised economic transformation goes beyond diplomatic visits and statements of intent.

Governor for Uasin Gishu Jonathan Bii when he hosted a delation led by Anna Bańkowska, Deputy Marshal of the West Pomeranian Region in Poland