Nairobi is a national, regional and international strategic centre for education, commerce, transport, regional cooperation and economic development. It also connects the Eastern, Central and Southern African countries. As such a booming regional centre, it might be a good idea for interested investors to get a mortgage out here and settle in for the ride. The coming years hold promise and action. The following areas of investment have been identified towards sustainable economic growth and development as envisioned in the metro 2030 strategy.
1. Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit Programme
To improve accessibility within the metropolitan region through a new bus system with designated bus lanes. This will require investments in infrastructure and buses. The bus rapid transit system will start with three transport corridors; Athi River town to Kikuyu town, Thika to the central business district (CBD) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the CBD.
2. Rapid light rail
This will entail provision of light rail to ease traffic congestion and improve efficiency of transportation between the CBD and other parts of the metropolitan area including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; a distance of 15.6 kilometres and serving about 150,000 passengers daily.
3. Provision of non-motorised transportation
Investment to help decongest traffic within the metro CBD is required and this will involve: integrated traffic management systems, pedestrianisation of city streets, provision of non-motorised transportation and the installation of street lights in the metro local authorities and all major urban centres.
4. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
CCTV has in the last few years proved to be a very effective device in both deterring criminals and arresting perpetrators of crime in many developed countries. In Kenya, as envisioned in the Vision 2030, all the major cities are preparing to become 24 hour operational centres. There is need to install surveillance cameras to enhance security in these cities. The government in collaboration with the private sector and the city council of Nairobi has already installed surveillance cameras in some parts of Nairobi streets as a pilot project. This will help improve efficiency on safety and security and reduce the cost of policing in the metropolitan area. In addition there will be an extension of the CCTV infrastructure and services to cover other major commercial hubs including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru.
5. Parking system
Investment opportunities exist in the provision of both space and technology that complements promotion of public transport. This require provision of vehicle parking services and development and management of a multi-storey parking in designated places of the CBD and other outlying commercial hubs. Land has already been identified in potential areas for the development of the parks.
6. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Planning and Mapping of the Metropolitan Region
Technical assistance is needed in institutionalising GIS-based spatial planning and management at the ministry level and the metropolitan local authorities, particularly Nairobi.
Contact Details Investors interested in this opportunity should contact the Kenya Investment Authority at info@investmentkenya.com
