President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to officially launch a multi-billion project amid controversies.
The head of state will officially open the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nairobi to Naivasha on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.
The rail will cut across Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru and Narok with four passenger stations- Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Mai Mahiu and Suswa.
The Standard reported that the launch was delayed due to a pending case in court. Reports have it that residents want the project thwarted, as they are against relocation.
The 1,000-acre land entangled in a court saga was pinpointed for the creation of a special economic zone.
Kenyatta will also commission works on the Internal Container Depot at the dry port near Mai Mahiu town. The depot will cost Ksh6.9 billion. Cabinet approved the budget in September 2019.
According to Naivasha Sub-county Commissioner, Mbogo Mathioya, the event's planning and execution has been choreographed with pinpoint details.
"All is set for the event. The case is being handled by the concerned government department as the affected families had been compensated by Kedong Ranch with 4,000 acres," Mathioya stated.
While speaking to Kenyans.co,ke on phone, Government spokesperson, Rtd. Colonel Cyrus Oguna distanced himself from the aforementioned controversies, shifting the weight to State House.
"I can neither affirm or reject. This matters are under the jurisdiction of State House and its spokesperson, Kanze Dena," Oguna played coy.
President Kenyatta has been working on overdrive to develop both Naivasha and Mombasa ports to keep business from Uganda and South Sudan amidst competition from Tanzania.
Kenya granted South Sudan a 10-acre piece of land in Naivasha to build a dry port to ease the movement of goods and boost trade between the two countries.
Uhuru maintained that the grant was meant to foster trade relations with Kenya's neighbours as well as ease the clearing of goods headed to the youngest African nation.
Kenya also offered Uganda land to build a dry port in Naivasha for its cargo, as part of the joint SGR project between the two countries.
