- Mudavadi spoke when he joined President William Ruto during the commissioning of the Terminal C of the Grain Bulk Handlers logistical facility in Embakasi.
- He said such ventures signify a major milestone in the economic transformation agenda of the country.
Image: PCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on business players in the government and private sector to collaborate and reap from the country's convergence of rail and air cargo systems.
Mudavadi said by joining efforts and tapping into new business strategies, Nairobi will be positioned as a regional business hub.
He said the system offers Kenya the opportunity to stand out as a giant among its East and Central Africa business partners.
Mudavadi spoke when he joined President William Ruto during the commissioning of the Terminal C of the Grain Bulk Handlers logistical facility in Embakasi.
"The confluence of the rail system with the air-cargo aspect positions Nairobi very strategically as a regional logistics hub," he said.
"This is something we should capitalise on so that the advantage that all this confluence is bringing can help in developing the economy and growing the entire region."
He said such ventures signify a major milestone in the economic transformation agenda of the country.
The facility is built next to the rail transport network which has eased its capabilities in receiving grain and fertiliser cargo from the port of Mombasa.
It is said to be strategically positioned to also support air-cargo transport when need arises.
“Having a logistical installation facility that handles thousands of metric tonnes of grain and fertiliser and supports storage and transportation close to customers is vital in supporting the supply and marketing chain in the distribution and collection of cargo," he said.
While encouraging investors to venture into businesses, the Prime Cabinet Secretary alluded that it is going to get tough before it gets better, but encouraged Kenyans to remain focused and determined.
“I have been using a phrase lately saying that turning the economy around is not like brewing instant coffee. Mohamed Jaffer, the owner of Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd, had a dream, planned well, and now his venture is a reality," Mudavadi said.
"To invest the way Jaffer has done and to turn around the economy takes planning, commitment, time and resilience."
However, he cautioned against creating business-unfriendly environments, for this he said will make the country lag as others progress.
“We need to support the President so that we can have stability and have peace and we can have an environment that is ideal for business to grow and thrive,” Mudavadi said.
“We shall not achieve that by dancing in the streets when it is not time to dance the cannibal like in Brazil. We must be clear that we need a very clear plan and a clear stable nation."
The facility in Embakasi is said to have a capacity of handling at least 134,000 metric tonnes of cargo.
It has been termed as a vital logistical facility that will boost the country's business efficiency in handling grain and fertiliser cargo.