Kisumu's manufacturing hub has shifted to the Kombura area in Nyando as investors move outside the lakeside city.
Located along the Kisumu-Nairobi highway, the site which has improved infrastructure and expansive land is becoming attractive due to the limited human settlement.
The latest move by a firm to construct a Sh15 million lead acid battery recycling plant in the area has bolstered the fortunes of the area which is prone to flooding during the rainy seasons.
The transformation of Kombura as an upcoming industrial area is set to shift base from Obote road which has been the traditional manufacturing zone for the lakeside city.
Other firms that have been set up in Kombura include Jumbo Steel Mills Limited, Jubilee Jumbo hardware, Jumbo foam mattresses Industries, Maisha foam mattress, Novixa National limited, several filling stations, resorts and restaurants.
The proposed factory to be set up 18km from Kisumu town is also eyeing the area which largely consists of heavy industrial and commercial land uses with a mix of residential homes.
According to their Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report, the new investment will reduce the mushrooming of informal battery recyclers who have in the past contributed to cases of pollution from lead recycling.
“This calls for the need for the manufacture of new batteries which puts pressure on environmental resources, while also generating the need for environmentally sound disposal of used batteries,” said the EIA report.
Over two months ago, Jumbo Steel kicked off the operation of Sh2 billion plant that has ensured at least 600 get direct employment.
The firm produces various steel products such as mild steel sections, wire products and hollow sections used in the construction industry.
