Marsabit county government on Saturday signed a 10-year concession agreement with Jambo Travel to run a multi-million Bongole resort.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo said the Bongole resort is being concessioned to private investors in order to yield better revenue.
"Government should not be in the business of running resort, we are pleased to have private investors committed to reviving this important asset," said Deputy Governor
Bongole resort has been developed with 15 rooms of different cadres, a swimming pool and 100- a seater hall.
He stated that Governor Mohamud Ali's led administration was keen on establishing strong private-public partnerships to tap into the expertise and knowledge of the private sector as part of a long-term programme of opening up various underdeveloped sectors.
He hailed the private investor for her willingness to participate in the development of the county and reiterated the county government's commitment towards exploiting the tourism potential.
"Investors are going to have a big role in developing our county. That is why we encourage them to invest with us," he said
Gubo described the multi-million bongole resort as being in line with Governor Mohamud's vision for delivering the sector.
Deputy Governor revealed the county government aims to provide efficient, well-organized and user-friendly services with a vision to promote a healthy environment that both tourists and locals can enjoy while doing their business.
"Governor Mohamud Ali's administration will create an enabling environment for your business to thrive," said the Deputy Governor.
He appealed to investors to give locals priority when recruiting staff to address unemployment in the devolved unit.
He urged other investors to consider investing in Marsabit County, saying there currently exist huge opportunities for investment especially in the field of tourism.
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo highlighted efforts Governor Mohamud Ali's administration has undertaken to ensure a conducive environment for investment which included the improvement of road construction.
He said investment opportunities in solar, livestock production, health, tourism and water remain unexploited.
"There are many opportunities for investment in the county ranging from an abundance of sunshine and vast tracts of land that avail great potential for solar generation, an abundance of underground aquifers and shallow wells that were not well exploited and livestock potentials," said Deputy county boss.
He said immense opportunities can only be fully exploited with deepened engagement with both local and international investors.
While acknowledging that security remained a matter of concern in the county, the deputy governor said the county government will closely work with the national government to ensure the county is safe for investment.
County executive committee member for Culture Jeremy Ledaany thanked Governor Mohamud Ali for reviving Bongole resort, saying that the county has great potential in the tourism sector.
He emphasized that marsabit county has many unexploited resources that need to be exploited to improve the county's economy.
His trade counterpart Adan Hirbo said his department is in the process of drafting a public-private partnership policy.
"We invite investors to invest in our county. We have many unutilized opportunities," said Hirbo
He called on prospective investors to take advantage of the county's enabling environment to invest in the county.
"There exist tremendous opportunities for exploitation in Marsabit county that will transform the lives of the people," he said
Karare ward MCA Joseph Leruk urged new investors to consider locals in job opportunities while assuring them of their immense support.
He said Marsabit County is rich in resources that should be utilized through partnership.
He thanked the investor for accepting to invest in the county.
Jambo travel director Buke Bashuna said she was inspired by the beautiful and uncommon phenomenon the resort is.
She assured tourists of a standard hospitality and tourism destination that will offer a wide range of services that meets their needs.
She said marsabit county has numerous tourism potential that needs to be exploited, citing the Chalbi desert which attracts many locals and international tourists.
"Tourism is one way of growing the economy of the county," she said
She challenged the marsabit county government to take over the marketing of the tourism sector, explaining that there was a need to extend beyond working with the national government to reach out to potential partners in the tourism industry.
She asked the county government to improve the road leading to the resort and put up street lights.