As the August 9 polls approach, the Sh6.9 billion Mai Mahiu Inland Container Depot in Nakuru County has become a key campaign agenda for both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalitions.
Deputy President William Ruto, who was part of the Cabinet that approved the project's funding in September 2021, has distanced himself from the decision to relocate port services from Mombasa County to upcountry.
Although the project was commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta in November 2021, Ruto has now accused some individuals in the government of mishandling the SGR and the dry port.
He has promised to undertake administrative and legal steps to revert some aspects of the project if elected, including returning 1,000 acres of Kedong Ranch to the Maasai community.
UDA Mombasa senatorial candidate Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Mohammed Ali have backed Ruto's promises, dismissing Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and other leaders for being insensitive to the plight of the Coast people.
Azimio leaders, however, have vowed to keep the dry port operational, with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya assuring residents of Nakuru County that the dry port will not be closed down if the coalition wins.
The dry port has been operational since 2018, with importers collecting their cargo from the Embakasi ICD, where it is delivered by rail from the port.
Former Chief Administrative Secretary of Trade Lawrence Karanja has termed the plan to close and relocate the Naivasha Dry port as 'evil', calling on residents to reject the move through the ballot come August 9.
