Investigating The Potential For Industrial Development In Juja Town, Kiambu County

Abstract

The study finds its foundation from the fact that industrial activities are referenced to having a role in development and economic growth. Nations have strongly related the activities to transport corridors and argued that, either of the two can induce the image of the other. Globally, the concept of industrial development therefore, continues to emerge as part of literature review in regional as well as urban design. Kenya identifies the sector as being critical to the advancement of its economy, intending to provide support systems to boost its performance, in turn contribute to social economic growth of the nation. However, areas of potential growth have not been clearly identified nor the industrial manifestation defined to guiding and achieving sustainable planning. The research focused on investigating the potential growth of industrial activities in Juja town which falls within Nairobi metropolitan and along the Nairobi-Thika transport corridor. The research identified the proportionate industrial land use in Juja town. It also identified and analyzed the conditions of supporting infrastructural and community services; and examined the contribution of the activities to this town. It has recommended intervention measures for attainment of sustainable inclusion of industrial development in Juja town; it has further used the manifestation of Juja to make recommendations on policy measures that can advance industrial growth in similar areas for sustainable development in Kenya. The study used a survey design, collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Quota, simple and stratified random sampling were used to sample 100 households from the 3 sub locations, 30 number commercial enterprises and 20 industrialists. The key informants included: the sub-county physical planner, officials from various county departments, including Trade and industry; transport service providers among others. Focus Group Discussions were conducted; physical measurements were carried on the ground and by use of satellite images; and photography was also carried. Results showed that industrial activities hold second land user at 10%, as residential was at approximately 70%. PBCC a historical industrial company is among the large, medium and small enterprises. Quarries which hold a major share of land show a depleting trend, however, other forms of industries are emerging. Despite highly subdividing land, expansion opportunists exist. Contribution to the town include: household income, employment and it also forms as a source of revenue; infrastructural and community services indicated to support the sector with Nairobi-Thika highway among the influencing attributes. The study concluded that the town was ‘a potential industrial hub’ for industrial development. Recommendations include safeguarding existing functional land; preparation of land -use plan in order to expand industrial land and ensure compatibility for sustainable development.