This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, the transformation of Mai Mahiu from a dusty border town to a thriving business hub is a testament to the power of strategic investment. Located 30 kilometers from Naivasha town, the area has seen significant development with the establishment of the Inland Container Depot, SGR terminus, and a multi-billion-shilling industrial park.
The Inland Container Depot, a key component of the Special Economic Zone, is now complete, and attention is shifting to businesses that will support the new hub. With cargo to Uganda and beyond set to be collected from the town, the depot is expected to create thousands of jobs in the coming months.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia defended the cost of transportation, noting that shippers would save up to $450 through the modern railway. He also highlighted the reduced distance from Mombasa to Malaba, which will now take 10 hours compared to the previous 48 hours.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui emphasized the need for supporting infrastructure, including hospitals and planned trading centers to accommodate travelers. In response, he announced the suspension of land sub-division between Maai Mahiu and Naivasha towns to prevent the mushrooming of informal settlements.
Before the dust settles, Danish Brewing Company EA is set to establish a Sh4.5 billion plant at the industrial park, further solidifying the area's status as a major economic hub.
