The beneficiaries will be mainly farmers and traders dealing with farm produce for both domestic consumption and export, as well as other products.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Farmers and traders in Kiambu county are set to benefit from storage facilities being set up at Tatu City in Ruiru where a multi-billion shilling Small Medium Enterprises warehousing project is coming up.
The joint initiative between Tatu City Limited, Chandaria Properties, M&T Construction and Steel Structures, is expected to provide space for storage of perishable farm produce in the agriculturally rich region.
The beneficiaries will be mainly farmers and traders dealing with farm produce for both domestic consumption and export, as well as other products.
Speaking during a ground breaking ceremony for the project, County Executive Committee member in charge of Trade, Tourism, Industrialisation and Investments Nancy Gichung'wa said the project will have a great economic impact on the local economy.
Besides increasing the shelf-life of farm produce before they are exported to foreign markets, Gichung’wa said the development will further create numerous jobs among residents.
“It will undoubtedly serve as an essential hub for trade and commerce, contributing significantly to Kenya's economic progress and, in particular, Kiambu county. The proximity of the facility to the Airport and the capital city will enhance trade,’’ she said.
Dubbed The Link, the latest Tatu City’s development will be Kenya’s first Small and Medium Enterprise warehousing and logistics park with Special Economic Zone benefits.
According to David Karimi the Deputy Country Head of Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City, the project that will take 11 months to be completed, is set to revolutionise the social-economic landscape and the way of doing business among SMEs especially in Kiambu.
“On behalf of The Link investors, we are thrilled to turn soil on Tatu City’s warehousing and logistics park designed to meet the needs of SMEs in Kiambu County and beyond,” he said.
“Leveraging on the unparalleled SEZ benefits of Kenya and the world-class infrastructure in Tatu City, businesses at The Link enjoy a seamless platform on which they can optimise their operations to local and global markets,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Darshan Chandaria, Group CEO and Director of Chandaria Group and Chandaria Industries, who described The Link as a crucial milestone for SMEs, which constitute 98 per cent of businesses in Kenya.
The development, he said will further create job opportunities for numerous workers who will be employed during the construction works and once the project is ready for use.
“There is a need for well-planned industrial places where people can invest. It’s critical that we address the needs of our investors including the limited capital challenge and therefore projects such as this will help them to lease properties which is key for more industrialisation of the country,” Chandaria said.
The Link offers flexible leased modern spaces ranging from 800 to 8,000 square meters, promoting businesses of all sizes to thrive in a dynamic and strategic location with Tatu City SEZ benefits, including low corporate tax, zero-rated VAT and exemption from import duty and utilities such as 24/7 power and water supply, high-speed fibre, international standard roads and security.
Dozens of companies operate in Tatu City’s business-friendly location, including Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Dormans, Copia, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, CCI Global, Freight Forwarders Solutions, Friendship Group and Davis & Shirtliff.
More than 3,000 homes and apartments are occupied or under construction at Unity Homes and the Kijani Ridge premier neighbourhood.