This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, the national and Nakuru county governments announced a joint decision to halt development activities around the 1,000-acre land proposed for a dry port and industrial park in Mai Mahiu, Kenya.
The move aims to pave the way for proper planning for the area around the special economic zone. This decision comes just a few days after the National Treasury received the title deed for the land set aside for the multi-billion projects.
Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Mbogo Mathioya issued the ban, stating that the county government will issue a proper development plan that will demarcate areas for industries and residential areas. He emphasized that the special economic zone will be a 'city with a county,' and any development on the area must be controlled.
Mathioya warned that the county will not tolerate shanties and structures that do not meet the desired standards, and any such developments will be brought down.
During a community meeting at Satellite in Mai Mahiu, Mathioya called on residents to support the project, noting its positive impact on their lives. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara also echoed Mathioya's sentiments, urging the youths to take advantage of the recently constructed Naivasha Technical Training Institute and enroll to acquire necessary skills.
Kihara also mentioned complaints of missing names from the list of residents who are to be compensated for land being used by the Standard Gauge Railway.
