ROYSAMBU CAN REACH WESTLANDS' LEVEL

A quick look at our city's geopolitical regions reveals that there's massive development variations in terms of infrastructure, superstructure, Leadership, Public utilities and amenities. This can be attributed to lack of visionary and sound blueprints and leadership or lack of collective responsibility among the stakeholders. The residents are to blame for their choice of leaders during the elections.

A look at two geopolitical areas for instance- Westlands and Roysambu. These are commercial zones which enjoy stone-throw proximity to the capital city. Notably their development ratings are not at par. Thedwellers of these areas are equally aggressive and share similar socio-economic and political aspirations- to excel and to achieve sustainability. It's only sound or progressive policies that can help attain such goals. The mention of policy doesn't point finger at leaders only but also to the people who choose these policyholders-the citizens.

1. MARKETS or BUSINESS AREAS Westlands has got well-structured business areas commonly known as markets. This comprises of malls, business stalls and well maintained designated trading areas. The mall concept was adopted in Westlands long time ago whilst this was initiated in Roysambu in the year 2013- Thika Road Mall. 

Putting up business premises commonly known as stalls is something that was adopted in the Westlands area in the 90s. In Roysambu, the Kibanda system is still prevalent- very few stalls have been put up. The neatness of the business areas is a key attraction of both customers and potential investors. Westlands is well organised with efficient and effective garbage collection structure, proper sewer and drainage system and lighting. Roysambu on the other hand, is catching up slowly in this area. Something that will continue to keep potential investors away. 
Just like Westlands, Roysambu requires adequate security lighting to enable people transact around the clock. 

2. BANKING Roysambu has about six banks whilst Westlands has about twice that number. It's common knowledge that banks set up shop in areas where business is booming in order to enable people to save, borrow or transact. With a proper investment policy and vision, Roysambu can be able to attract more investments and banks will not need compass direction to find the area.

3. HEALTH

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This is a very important element in our life. In fact, they say that wealth without health is pointless. There are about six well-equipped health facilities along Waiyaki way compared to what we have along Thika Superhighway. Because of demographical factors, the affluent Westlands area may not need a public health facility but for the developing Roysambu area, this is a must have given that private owned health centres are not affordable to many of the area residents. This can be achieved- it's all about sound scheduling and milestones.

4. Education

Every society invests in its people with the aim to achieve sustenance, self-reliance and to help establish solutions to the challenges that it faces. Education helps to attain this. They say that education is the key. With regards to primary and secondary education, the Westlands region hosts some of the elite schools. Roysambu has a fair share of "private" institutions. The main focus in an area like Roysambu should be affordability- offer bursaries/scholarships to boost accessibility, learning materials/equipment, up-to-date curriculum, quality of teaching personnel among others. Roysambu Ward has a good number of tertiary institutions for example; PAC University, USIU, Survey Institute Of Kenya and NYS. These organisations should also be at the forefront in ensuring that the region is progressive. There is a need to have a stakeholders forum that brings together these institutions to brainstorm on a progressive agenda for the region.

5. HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

Westlands hosts more than ten high-end hotels, tens of clubs, numerous fine dining restaurants and several guesthouses and apartments. Roysambu competes dismally in this one as it has four high-end hotels, several motels and numerous bars. Perhaps it's the consumer habits that makes the high-end brands shy away or it's little or scepticism that Roysambu will grow. Investors confidence must be restored and developed in order to grow through a workable economic plan. 

6. EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

Establishment of artistic theatres, resource centres- e.g libraries, Technology hubs, Vocational training centres, entrepreneurial mentorship programs has enabled Westlands to become an economic giant of sorts and a preferred economic zone. Roysambu needs to emulate this fearlessly and boldly. They say that if your dreams don't scare you then they are not big enough.

Despite its weakness i.e poor leadership, Roysambu has lots of strength given it's large young and energetic population. Majority of the population is in the middle-class category and rush to Westlands for shopping, Restaurants and clubbing... Some of them own businesses in Westlands. Its cosmopolitan nature and a people who aspire to always attain greatness as a society are elements to consider and capitalise on. The strategic location along the Thika superhighway is a great opportunity to expand its business footprint. The major threat that stares at Roysambu is the election of greedy and careless leadership. 
It can be done... It will be done.

Charles Muchangi Bazenga,

Roysambu Ward.