Eastern Bypass to get 250 godowns

Vikken Thirty Industrial Park Ltd is looking to build 250 godowns on 48 acres of land along the Eastern Bypass as the industrial belt that is sprouting along the route gathers pace.

“The proposed project has the overall objective of constructing an industrial complex of 250 godowns that will provide space for various industrial and manufacturing activities, as well as storage of raw and finished goods,” regulatory filings with the National Environment Management Authority say.

“Support facilities will include a police station/chief’s office, a health centre and a restaurant. This will not only attempt to ease the current industrial space demand being experienced within the locality, but also satisfy the economic returns desired of the project proponent,” it explains.

ALTERNATIVE ZONES

The company wants to take advantage of the area’s proximity to the bypass and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to attract industrialists to its proposed Sh300 million facility.

“The existing industrial estates are constrained by the ever-increasing demand by new entrepreneurs and the expansion by the existing ones, thereby creating need for alternative zones,” the report says.

“The proposed site is vantage as it is located near the JKIA and the Eastern Bypass road that connects to Mombasa Road, a major route for goods. The area will be sought-after by industrialists, manufacturers, warehousing among others due to its proximity to the city, as well as to Ruiru, Thika and Athi River.”

The proposed go downs will measure 26mx13m and will constitute the warehouse, store and loading bay.

The company expects to begin construction on the project, which it says will take 18 months, as soon as it receives Nema approval.

Unlike other roads such as the Thika Highway and the Northern Bypass, which have spurred massive residential developments, the Eastern Bypass is attracting industrial property.

Companies such as Reddamac Leather Centre, which processes raw leather, have set up shop along the Eastern Bypass. Northlands, a mini-city associated with the Kenyatta family and to be located along the road, will also allocate substantial space to industry.

The developing industrial belt is spreading from Ruiru towards the JKIA.

Vikken expects the project to provide 20,000 direct jobs, and a further 50,000 downstream.