Murang’a urged to improve infrastructure, power to unlock investment

The Murang’a County and national governments have been urged to invest more in infrastructure, reliable power supply and a business-friendly environment to pave the way for increased investment in the county.

The remarks came during the opening of an AMICA Sacco branch in Kabati, which is emerging as an important commercial centre along the Thika-Murang’a corridor.

The Sacco is the first financial institution to establish a branch in the old Kabati town, which is experiencing increased commercial and residential development.

Former Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru and one of the inestors in the area with a golf resort said improved roads, reliable electricity, security and a conducive business environment would be critical in attracting investors to emerging urban centres across Murang’a South.

Kibiru said the region was already witnessing increased economic activity and development, but warned that more investment could be attracted if the remaining infrastructure gaps were addressed.

“One of the biggest missing links in attracting investors is infrastructure. Other than having good roads, we need power and, of course, security. Security is improving, but most importantly, we need an enabling environment,” Kibiru said.

He said Kabati and the surrounding corridor had significant potential for further investment, predicting increased economic activity along the stretch from the Del Monte area to Kabati.

“I can tell you in a short while, this is a frontier area. Watch this space, from Del Monte all the way to Kabati. There will be a lot of development and economic activities taking place,” he said.

AMICA Sacco Chief Executive Officer James Mbui separately called on the two levels of government to prioritise job creation, particularly for young people, as new investments continue to emerge across the region.

Mbui said the planned industrial park in the area could play a major role in attracting investors and creating employment, urging the county government to accelerate its implementation.

“The major intervention from the county government and the national government is mainly to focus on the youth because the rate of unemployment is very high,” Mbui said.

He said the industrial park would create employment during construction and provide additional jobs once investors begin establishing businesses in the area.

“We ask the county government to accelerate the full implementation of that industrial park because that is going to be a very big boost to Murang’a County, and specifically this area,” he said.

Mbui said the growth of Kabati was already evident through the emergence of new businesses and services, including two major funeral homes, while traders and residents from neighbouring estates were increasingly relying on the town for shopping and other services.

The investment momentum is also being witnessed in Kenol, Zabka, Makenji and other towns in Murang’a South, where investors are putting up residential, commercial and other developments.

Makenji is particularly emerging as a major investment frontier, with the county government holding about 1,200 acres of land previously owned by Del Monte, providing potential space for future commercial and industrial development.

Mbui said the growing economic activity presented an opportunity for financial institutions to support traders, farmers, young entrepreneurs and other businesses through access to credit.

He said AMICA, which was started by farmers about six decades ago, would seek to support residents and businesses in Kabati and surrounding areas to expand and take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Kibiru said continued improvement of infrastructure, security and the business environment would determine how effectively Murang’a South capitalises on its growing investment potential.

He said the developments taking place along the corridor from Del Monte to Kabati were an indication that the area was entering a new phase of economic growth.

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