The Government plans to sell Rivatex textile factory in Eldoret, assistant minister Petkey Miriti said. Mr Miriti said several foreign companies had expressed interest in the factory.

One American company and another from India seemed to be the most serious, he said. Mr Miriti was answering a question by Mr John Sambu (Mosop, Kanu), who sought to know the steps the minister was taking to ensure Rivatex was revived.

Mr Miriti said the company was valued at Sh885 million.

Responding to another question, Mr Miriti said the Milling Corporation of Kenya was sold for Sh150 million. He said Premier Flour Mills bought it after the highest bidder refused to take up its liabilities. The liabilities stood at Sh84 million. 

Mr Miriti was answering a question by Mr Mirugi Kariuki (Nakuru Town, Narc), who sought to know the ownership status of the corporation. He further sought to know the plans the Government had for its former employees. Mr Miriti said the former employers should sort out the problem with the current management.

Mr Henry Obwocha (West Mugirango, Ford-P) said if the management of the new company took all the liabilities, it should address the issue of employees rather than dismiss them.

Telkom Kenya is in the process of replacing an obsolete telephone exchange at Tausa Division headquarters, Communications assistant minister Andrew Ligale said.

Mr Ligale was responding to a question by Mr Boniface Mganga (Voi, Kanu), who sought to know whether the minister was aware that the telephone exchange was obsolete and broke down regularly. Health assistant minister Gideon Konchellah said Sh3.2 million had been set aside to equip a theatre for Olenguruone sub-district hospital.

He said he was aware that the hospital''s theatre was not well equipped, and it did not have a mortuary. Mr Konchellah was answering a question by Mr Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi, Kanu), who sought to know the plans the ministry had for the hospital.