NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is under pressure to address lingering title deed issues for parcels of land given to East African Community (EAC) member states within the Naivasha Economic Zone.
These land allocations, intended for the development of logistics hubs, are vital for boosting trade along the Northern Corridor and increasing the usage of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Naivasha Inland Container Depot.
The land parcels, earmarked for Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi, were designed to strengthen regional trade. Uganda, Kenya’s largest transit partner, received land in 2019 for a logistics facility to handle its imports and exports.
In 2020, Kenya allocated 10 acres to South Sudan for an inland container depot, followed by 9.8 acres to Rwanda, with Burundi also receiving its share.
These allocations are part of a broader initiative to enhance trade along the Northern Corridor, a key transport route that connects Mombasa with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DRC.
Despite this, development on these lands remains stalled, limiting their potential as hubs for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), warehouses, and other logistical operations.
The Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) has called on the Kenyan government to accelerate the issuance of title deeds and implement promised incentives to pave the way for development.
According to NCTTCA Executive Secretary John Deng, incentives such as tax exemptions, reduced corporate tax rates, and preferential withholding tax are critical to attracting investment.
“Kenya must provide clarity on the land boundaries and extend the necessary waivers to enable feasibility studies and infrastructure investments,” Deng emphasized during a recent forum in Nairobi.
These measures would not only boost trade but also consolidate exports through the Port of Mombasa, enhancing the utilization of SGR freight services.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar reassured stakeholders of Kenya’s commitment to resolving the title deed bottlenecks and facilitating investment.
“We are in advanced stages of working with the respective governments to ensure all titles are issued as directed by the President,” Daghar noted.
By addressing these delays, Kenya aims to unlock the full potential of the Naivasha Economic Zone, fostering regional trade and solidifying its position as a logistical powerhouse in East Africa.
