Investor to build Sh1 billion shopping mall in Nyeri town

David Njenga explains the architectural features of Madiba Mall to leaders before the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.  [PHOTO: Sammy Mose/standard]

By JOB WERU

KENYA: An investor is set to put up a Sh1 billion shopping mall in Nyeri town.

The Madiba Shopping Mall project, initiated by Githinji Kinyanjui of Cocorico Investment, is expected to change Nyeri residents’ shopping experience, as the town does not have any shopping mall where one can acquire various goods and services under one roof.

Yesterday, Kinyanjui led local leaders comprising area MPs, national government representatives and residents in a groundbreaking ceremony, at the site opposite the Lord Baden Powell gravesite.

The shopping mall will be the first in Nyeri County, with the nearest being in Nanyuki town, some 70km away.

The launch of the project came barely two months after the Nyeri county government held an investors conference at Kabiruini grounds.

During the conference, Governor Nderitu Gachagua said his government was committed to attracting investors and providing a conducive environment for business.

Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai who graced the groundbreaking ceremony said 64 memoranda of understanding and expressions of interest were signed between various investors and the County government.

“This translated to investments worth over Sh160 billion, which is no mean achievement for any county. I am therefore immensely delighted today as we witness the groundbreaking for the Madiba Shopping Mall, which is actualising part of that commitment,” said Wamathai.

Kinyanjui said the mall would comprise two basement floors, five upper floors and a rooftop with a swimming pool.

“The mall will offer direct employment to more than 1,000 residents of Nyeri,” said Kinyanjui.

It will also host supermarkets, a bank, restaurants, shops and saloons among other investments.

East African Affairs, Tourism and Commerce Cabinet Secretary who was represented by her Principal Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, urged other counties to follow suit, saying the projects will benefit locals and also expand investment.

He said the government would set up a platform for wealth creation.