Nakuru was recently elevated to become a city. This is a major milestone that has seen it attract a number of things that are expected to accelerate its growth both in the short term and long term.
They include;
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Infrastructure
This is the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of an area. Below are being experienced in Nakuru City
- Power Supply
Geothermal Power in Olkaria Power Plant in Naivasha under KENGEN, is the largest geothermal power plant in Africa.
This plant provides renewable and cheaper energy prices while providing a permanent supply of power at very affordable prices.
Unlike other major towns in Kenya, Nakuru has the capacity to generate its own geothermal energy which in the long term will be cheaper and environmentally friendly.
- Roads
The city has a newly built multi-million shillings Kunste interchange at the Nyahururu turn off.
This has eased traffic as you get into Nakuru Town and provides a scenic view of the town.
The Njoro interchange along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway has completely spruced up the face of Nakuru town. Nakuru – Nairobi highway is also set to be expanded from September.
This is expected to ease traffic load along the busy highway.
- Airport
Lanet airstrip is currently being upgraded to full airport status at a cost of Ksh3 billion.
The project is being undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in collaboration with the county government of Nakuru.
The city produces over 70% of Kenya’s flower exports. Transportation was done by road to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Nakuru airport will bridge this gap.
- Revival of the railway line
Kenya Railways is reviving the 216km railway line at a cost of Ksh 3.7B. This will give Nakuru an extra means of transport for people and cargo.
Global and Local Tourism
International Congresses and Conventional Association (ICCA) ranked Naivasha in Nakuru City the 34th destination for international congresses and conventions.
Meetings, Incentive travels, Conferences, and Exhibitions commonly known as MICE contribute Ksh 4.55 billion to the national economy.
This has seen numerous international hotels set base in Nakuru such as Sarova Woodlands.
This trend is expected to grow. Notably, Lake Nakuru is an acknowledged UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other renowned historic sites in Nakuru include the Menengai Crater, Lord Egerton Castle, Soysambu Conservancy, the Hyrax Hill site etc.
Will all this, Nakuru City is set to grow in tourism.
Increased National Government & NGO Funding
The National Government has channeled more than Ksh 7B in an infrastructural upgrade, which includes tarmac roads and an airport.
Nakuru was also selected by World Bank to pioneer affordable housing projects. The houses in Nakuru will be built on a 50 acre-land along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
These are just a few of the things that the city is attractive.
A boom in Entrepreneurship & Business Expansion
Nakuru City has birthed some of the renowned brands in Kenya and globally.
Some of them include Menengai, Comply, Gilani’s Supermarket, Mololine, Naivas Supermarket, Nakumatt, Keroche Breweries, Delamere, Car and General Motorcycle Plant, Timsales Ltd, etc.
The town seems to be the source of mega business ideas which have grown to national levels.
It is amazing how entrepreneurs consider opening up a branch in Nakuru City as part of their expansion strategy.
You will notice that people establish big brands in other areas and later expand to tap into Nakuru’s potential.
For example, Simba Cement now has a factory in Nakuru, Quick Mart has a branch, Sarova Woodlands has a hotel here, property developers have set base here, institutions of higher learning have campuses here, etc.
A survey released by the Institute of Economic Affairs showed that it is easier to start a business in Nakuru town compared to five other populous urban areas.
This was mainly because of a reduced tax burden that has made the county more attractive to investors.
Are you considering starting up a business in Kenya? Perhaps, Nakuru is the place to start or expand to.
Massive Growth of International Schools and Expansion of Top Institutions of Higher Learning
Nakuru City is home to renown public and private universities and colleges.
They include; Kabarak University, Egerton University, Rift Valley Institute of Technology, Kenya Industrial Training Institute among others.
With the new city status, more institutions will open branches here.
Improved Living Standards
Living standards improve in an area when the benefits of growth are widely spread to residents.
This includes healthcare, income, housing, and social services.
The elevation of Nakuru to a city will spur growth in real estate developments, improved facilities such as hospitals, schools, social amenities, etc.
This growth will create employment opportunities which will lead to an increase in disposable incomes by residents who will enjoy improved living standards.
Revenue streams for the county government will also increase and they will end up improving services such as drainage, water supply, etc. for the betterment of the residents.
Population Growth as a result of its Cosmopolitan Nature
Nakuru City is a cosmopolitan area that comprises the majority if not all the 44 tribes in Kenya.
With the majority of the tribes being Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kisii, Maasai, Kamba, etc. the city is simply a home for all Kenyans.
This has boosted its growth both in population and activities as residents pride in the beauty of diversity in tribe, activities, and culture.
With the new city status, this will be the place to go for each and every person.
Appreciation of Land Prices
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Nakuru County saw its land prices rise by an average of 12.7 percent according to the County Land Price Report.
This has seen real estate investors reap massive benefits from their investments.
With the increased population growth and development of infrastructure, Reuben Kimani, CEO, Username Investments foresees a great appreciation of land prices will be experienced.
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