By Lilian Museka
A leading investor in growth markets, has announced the launch of Nairobi Gate Industrial Park. Improvon Group, one of Africa’s most established logistics and warehouse property specialists, in partnership with Actis are behind this project.
Located off the Eastern Bypass, the 103-acre development is aimed at offering state-of-the-art industrial and logistics accommodation for local and international companies, with quick access to key logistics and transport hubs such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Inland Container Depot.
The park, dubbed ‘Next Level Logistics’, is a unique “build to suit” concept to Nairobi that has been necessitated by the demand for modern, flexible and efficient warehousing facilities. It offers flexibility and scalability for occupiers’ operational needs. The development is estimated to cost US$110 million USD (KES 11 Billion) by completion, according to Improvon CEO, Stefano Contardo
Phase 1 of Nairobi Gate will be complete in the second quarter of 2019 and will consist of ultra-modern logistics, warehousing and distribution centres, bringing a ‘build to suit’ concept to Nairobi in response to the demand for grade A flexible spaces.
Invited guests
“In line with modern trends it will integrate corporate offices, with excellent access, wide roads and turning circles that can accommodate interlink trucks, generous loading facilities and the highest standard of security, all set in a park-like environment,” says Contardo.
“Nairobi Gate will be most suited to light industry; warehousing and distribution centres and offers power supply, adequate water storage, maximum volumetric capacity, wide column grids and generous parking.” He adds.
The development will offer the latest in green design and sustainability practices that optimise natural light and harness temperature regulation and water reticulation, making it cost effective and less impactful on the environment over the long term.
The Improvon Group has developed and tenanted in excess of 10, 000, 000 ft2 of logistics properties for use by warehousing and distribution operators across Africa. Actis’ investment in Improvon will allow it to accelerate its growth across sub-Saharan Africa markets, starting with Nairobi Gate Industrial Park.
Actis Director Michael Turner says, “We see South Africa, Kenya and Zambia as key distribution hubs to the rest of the continent. East Africa is especially experiencing strong consumer demand and infrastructure development on the back of a resilient and diversified economy, which underscores the case for logistics and warehouse developments.”
While officially launching the project on October 3rd , Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Mr. Peter Munya said the Kenyan government is providing incentives and an enabling environment to encourage more investors in the country.
“Currently, Kenya has an industrial growth of 9 percent and it is the wish of the government to grow it to 15 percent,” Munya says adding that the government will support investors to encourage them create employment, wealth generation and increased revenue collection.
Last year, the World Bank, while releasing annual statistics of ease in doing business, Kenya was ranked number 80 up from 136. This, Munya said shows how the country is easily becoming accessible, adding that the next assessment would show Kenya ranked at number 50.
Riding on technology and digitizing all information to ensure quick and ease in permit acquisition and regulations, Munya welcomed investors adding that the government would ensure full support is granted to them.
Nairobi Gate will develop large turning circles and yards to accommodate interlink trucks, facilitating quicker and more efficient turn-around times. Maximum height under eaves, with floors on grade or at dock height, optimising volumetric capacity.
