Naivasha is one of the fastest growing commercial hubs in Kenya.
With more than 60 horticultural farms spread across the vast district, the town has become a place of choice for both local and foreign investors.
The horticultural and floriculture industry offers employment to thousands of workers, especially women.
Located at the basement of the Rift Valley, the town is full of activity in terms of movement of goods and services, and a favoured stop for people heading to western Kenya.
The 120km extension of the standard gauge railway (SGR) to Naivasha is expected to bring numerous opportunities to the town.
Speaking during the recent investors conference in Naivasha, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui outlined the potential of the town, with the county expecting to leverage on the geothermal energy, the SGR project and the proposed dry port.
“It is all systems go and, going forward, we shall have a functional secretariat to ensure that we pursue agenda that will help spur the county’s economic fortunes,” Mr Kinyanjui said.
Some of the gains expected include export-oriented firms that will access cheap power as well as cheap transport via SGR to Mombasa port.
“The setting up of a dry port is a milestone that investors will take advantage of to transport their products elsewhere,” Mr Kinyanjui said.
Speaking after attending the forum, Deputy President William Ruto said a dry port will help speed up the flow of cargo and act as the distribution point for goods.
“This basically means some of the goods will be offloaded in Naivasha and ferried locally and outside the borders,” Mr Ruto said.
The hospitality industry has also enjoyed tremendous growth in the recent past, with investors putting up high-end hotels that have boosted the tourism sector.
“Over the years, most of the hotels have registered full bookings especially during the festive season. The town is frequented by both local and international tourists,” Mr Njuguna Kamau, the former Nakuru County Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss, said.
Also putting the town on the world map is the fresh water Lake Naivasha and internationally recognised Ramsar site. It is also well-known as an important bird site.