This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
On October 25, 2019, a workshop on smart cities, organized by the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA) at a Naivasha resort, sparked debate over the JKIA-Westlands expressway.
Former ICIFA chairman George Kihumba expressed concerns that the expressway would primarily benefit the affluent, as toll roads are generally expensive. He questioned whether the expressway was designed for ordinary Kenyans or a select few.
Mr. Kihumba also criticized the recently launched Standard Gauge Railway passenger services from Nairobi to Naivasha, stating that the train would not alleviate travelers' difficulties in accessing the capital city.
ICIFA chair Jonah Aiyabei highlighted challenges faced by some counties in transforming from municipalities into cities, citing waste management and poor planning as primary issues.
Nakuru Deputy Governor Eric Korir announced that a bill to enable Nakuru town to become a city had been tabled in the county assembly, with measures in place for a smooth transition.
