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.
Citation
Caleb Mc' Mireri (1992). Industrialization Of Athi River Town. Master of Arts in PlanningPublisher
University of Nairobi