The Lapsset Factor on Laikipia’s Economy

From laikipia.go.ke

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi was in Lamu last week to witness the commissioning of the first berth of the Lamu Port.

His was not just about attending the Presidential function, but because he could see the big picture of Laikipia’s role in the Lapsset corridor economy.

Laikipia is right at the centre of the Lamu Port. South Sudan – Ethiopia and Mombasa – Nairobi – South Sudan – Ethiopia transport corridors. he told guests during the launch of the Toyota Kenya branch in Nanyuki.

Cargo destined for Ethiopia from the Port of Mombasa can be transported on the SGR up to Nairobi and the revived metre-gauge railway to Nanyuki for haulage by road to Southern Ethiopia.

Laikipia lies on the intersection of the Lapsset Transport Corridor where one branches off to Ethiopia and the other to South Sudan.

This makes Laikipia the preferred investment destination of major corporations especially those eyeing the huge Ethiopian market with a population of 112 million people.

Nanyuki is now emerging as a logistics hub within the Cereb and northern Kenya regions.

Vivo Energy has constructed a depot for the distribution of its petroleum products within the Cereb region and northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia markets. The multi-national firm is the anchor client of Kenya Railways’ refurbished metre-gauge line.

Over the last year, several financial institutions have opened their branches in the county; including New Fortis Sacco, Solution Sacco in Nanyuki town and Tower Sacco.

The latest entrant in Laikipia is Toyota Kenya which opened a branch in Nanyuki last week. Toyota Kenya also deals in agricultural equipment which looks quite strategic as the county is focused on increasing the area under irrigation as part of its strategy to grow its economy four-fold by focusing on production and manufacturing.

It is a momentous day for us as Toyota Kenya Family as we reaffirm our commitment to investing in Laikipia County and the rest of the Mount Kenya region. assured Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel.

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi’s government is targeting to grow Laikipia’s economy from the current Kshs 100 billion to Kshs 400 billion within the medium term. The shift of focus to enterprise development will help many firms seize the opportunity coming with the opening of the Lapsset Transport Corridor.

To accelerate the development of key enabler projects, the government has turned to innovative financings such as equipment leasing and infrastructure bond that will make the county take full advantage of the Lapsset corridor.

Last week the county received the second batch of leased road construction equipment that will enable it to improve 700 kilometers of road network in the next year. To enable easier movement of people and goods.

The County Government continues improving the business environment by developing smart and clean towns with proper drainage and ample parking spaces to reduce congestion.

Street lighting has also played a key role in attracting investors as now it is possible for businesses to remain open for longer hours.

The coming of the multi-billion international organization Toyota Kenya in the County also gives confidence to other local and international investors that Laikipia has the requisite potential that needs exploiting.

Nanyuki town, and generally Laikipia county is strategically situated at the center of the economic blocs-Cereb and Amaya Initiative Triangle – that further gives more reasons why investors should take advantage and continue investing within the county.

The new investment comes with great benefits to the Laikipia people through creating jobs for the locals that never existed.

The business also will solve the problem of moving long distances in search of quality car spare parts. Local mechanics will also upgrade their skills after getting more training from Toyota Kenya now that they are closer.