Industrialization of Athi River town

Abstract

The central theme of this study is to investiagate which factors have been responsible for the current rate of industrialization in At.h i River town and the socio-economic effects of these industries. Although Athi River town appears to have great potentials for industrial development. it j s not known precisely which factors make the town attractive. While appreciating the benefits from industries the adverse effects will also be considered. This study focuses on Athi River town and finds out that cheap, good industrial land , transport and market explains 77 percent of industrial location decision in the town. Raw materials and government incentives are found to be insignificant location factors. The rate of industrial growth In Athi River town is 10 percent, which is much higher than the projected national growth rate of 6.4 percent. The employment growth rate in the town is 10.6 percent. which is more than twice the projected 4.4 percent (Sessional Paper No . 1 1986). These show that the town has great potentials for industrial development. The high growth rates of industrial development and employment will create more job opportunities to Kenyans. Also, E.P.Z. is proposed in the town, which is a reflection of the town is favourable industrial location characteristics. E.P.Z. if implemented will boost the town's growth through infrastructure provision and employment creation. The study further found out that, as a result of the explosive growth rate of the town inter alia, the town is characterized by haphazard growth. Further, the town lacks an upto-date plan to guide growth. The existing; plan was prepared in 1970 although the town is experiencing marked change. The rate of infrastructure provision is lagging behind the town 's growth. The disposal of industrial wastes is raising A lot of concern particularly from chloride Metal, Athi River Mining and East African Portland. This is a result of weak pollution control laws and the machinery to enforce them. Ta harness the full industrial development potential] of Athi River town will require proper planning and co-ordination of development activities.