Kenyans in diaspora acquire 40,000 acres to build city in Kilifi

The new city known as proximity City of Return, will have an Agri city, Industrial Park, and beach resorts.

Proximity Point Group chief executive officer Prof Lucas Njenga said Kenyans in diaspora plan to build the first Green City in Kenya.

They are now finalising the process of completing payments for the acquisition of the over 40,000 acres in Magarini Kilifi county.

“Proximity's City of Return is a project for Kenyans in the Diaspora who want economic growth and development in Kenya and are now investing.  Between us there is an estimated 40,000 acres some of which we are doing agricultural activities others are earmarked for city development,” he said.

In an interview, Njenga said in their plan, they have set up a Special Economic Zone where they are going to put up factories and have residential, entertainment, and institutional zones which will have universities, hospitals and schools among other investments.

He said they are now embarking on the second phase after the acquisition of land and obtaining land ownership documents which entails getting approvals for developments of the key projects on the city development.

“We have appointed consultants to do for us what we call a strategic environmental impact management assessment, we are doing feasibility studies and designs for the different areas before we begin investing,” he said.

He said Malindi is a good destination for investment due to its closeness to the Indian Ocean and nearness to the airport which makes it easy for visitors to access it.

There was also a mix of investment opportunities where one can invest in the tourism sector and the agricultural sector.

The CEO said they will host the second conference this month for Diaspora members and expect to attract hundreds of visitors after which they will visit the agricultural area in Magarini.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro said investors are flocking the county to invest in real estate, tourism and agriculture which are promising good returns on investments.

He said his administration has offered a conducive environment for investments, attracting many investors both locally and internationally.

Mung’aro said they aim to make the county a place for tourists and investors.

He said there were major events lined up in the county this year which will help build the economy and offer job opportunities for residents.

The governor said his administration was partnering with two resorts which will represent them in the ITB Berlin Expo to help market Kilifi as a tourism destination and attract visitors.

He said the recent International Golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi put the county on a global map, and enabled Kilifi to be watched by over 100 television stations and over 200 million people globally which was a good marketing strategy for the destination.

“For the ITB Berlin Expo we have representation and we are preparing to attend the expo in June. There is another one which is being organised by my department in Uganda to tap wedding tourism as you know Ugandans organise big weddings and like to travel out of the country,” he said.

In April, the county will be receiving 1,000 visitors in Watamu from the Rotary District 192 which will help promote the tourism and economy.

Currently, he said the county is organising a committee to prepare for the Kenya Goes to Kilifi festival to be held on December 24, in Mtwapa and other resort towns in the county with the climax being in Malindi on December 31.

“We want every Kenyan thinking of travelling with family or alone for a holiday in December to come to Kilifi,” he said.

Further, he said Kilifi Will be hosting KISA games this April and expects over 10,000 visitors which will boost tourism and business.

The Rotarians he said will be from 12 countries in Africa and want them to have a smooth visit to attract more tourists and build its name.