The Murang’a County Assembly has adopted a report that outlines how 1,312 acres of land ceded by the fruit processing Delmonte Company Limited will be utilised.
A report tabled by Kamacharia MCA Gerald Wambugu before the House outlines the plan on how the ceded land will be effectively utilised with the aim of boosting socio-economic transformation in the county.
Wambugu said that if maximised to its full potential, the land will benefit residents of Murang’a significantly, observing that its proximity to Thika also makes it a hub for agro-industrial activities.
“Out of the total ceded acreage, 713 acres will be allocated for industrial development. This includes 432 acres dedicated for export processing zones for local investors in manufacturing.
Hazardous industries will occupy 69 acres, with 87 acres set aside for packaging and assembly plants and 120 acres designated for processing industries,” explained the MCA.
He added that “in collaboration with the State Department of Land and Physical Planning, the county government proposed the establishment of a specialised Level-6 teaching and referral hospital in 71.19 acres of the surrendered land.”
The facility, Wambugu said, will enhance medical training and provide advanced healthcare services in the region.
The report also outlined that in order to address congestion in nearby schools, seven acres will be reserved for a primary school accommodating an estimated 5,000 students.
“A secondary school will also be developed on seven acres to bolster education in the area,” added Wambugu.
According to the masterplan, locals will be allocated a total of 35 acres to establish residential developments.
A stadium to nurture youth talents, with an estimated seating capacity of 30,000 people, will also be built on five acres, and a further 56 acres will cater for a recreational park, which has been proposed to be adjacent to a dam and along the Makindi River.
The plan also proposes an approximate area of 15 acres to cater for county government offices, fire stations, Ardhi House, and public administration purposes.
Wambugu stated that business zones will consume 43 acres, while open-air markets will take up two acres, a move that will support small-scale traders and reduce hawking along the roads in the planning area.
Delmonte ceded the land to the county government early last year, before the company renewed its lease.
Already, the county government has constructed Kenneth Matiba Eye and Dental Hospital on the ceded land near the Makenji area.
By Bernard Munyao
