Tana river: Tana River Governor, Maj. (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana, has handed over 500 acres of land to Canadian investors for the development of a Sh39 billion organic city project in Areri, Abakiki village, located in the Madogo area of Bangale sub-county. The project promises to transform the region into a sustainable eco-friendly urban center.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Areri Organic City project is spearheaded by Conkrite Capital of Canada. This venture integrates eco-homes, vocational training centers, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy, positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban development in Africa. The project aims to diminish carbon footprints while promoting a healthier and self-sustaining lifestyle.
Conkrite Capital has dubbed Tana River the ‘Garden of Eden of Africa’ due to its rich biodiversity, envisioning the area as a blueprint for future urban development across the continent. The organic city is anticipated to generate at least 2000 jobs, significantly altering the socio-economic landscape of Abakiki and the wider Tana River County.
Governor Dhadho stated that the county’s leadership and residents have given their approval for the project, which is already underway with a 20-acre pilot phase. He emphasized the importance of attracting both domestic and foreign investments to spur economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The governor welcomed the investment, acknowledging its potential to unveil Tana River’s latent potential. He highlighted the strategic shift from a history of underdevelopment towards a forward-thinking development model, which is part of a broader agenda focusing on sustainable growth.
The project, described as the most ambitious eco-urban development in East Africa, will include 25,000 modern housing units, agro-business initiatives, renewable energy projects, and various socio-economic components aimed at serving the local community. Governor Dhadho expressed optimism about the project’s potential to address challenges such as drought, floods, and poverty through rural urbanization.
Conkrite company Director, Nicolas Val Delle, described the project as a living ecosystem and a model community city. He highlighted its design as a self-sustaining community with residential, commercial, and agricultural zones, emphasizing the project’s potential to transform the region into a competitive tourism and investment destination.
Delle thanked the local leaders and residents for their support and pledged to provide job opportunities for local youth. He noted that the project, set to unfold over 12 years, marks the beginning of a long-term transformation towards a civilization focused on empowering people and redefining prosperity.
Source: Kenya News Agency
