Joseph Karanja Wainaina

NAIVASHA SMART CITY LIVE WORK PLAY Profile • Naivasha has developed over the years as an entertainment centre and a major hospitality scene. • The town is situated in Nakuru County and located 90km from Nairobi Central Business District. • It is a favored holiday destination for most domestic and international tourists. • It lies at the heart of the Great Rift Valley and posses several geographical attraction sites as well as several National Parks and Game Reserves • Its potential has not been harnessed fully bearing in mind its enormous attributes Project description • • • • • • Development of a themed real estate city dubbed Naivasha Studio City (NSC). Dedicated towards promotion of Studio productions in local and international television, film and music. Development of a Convention and Conferencing hub. Contemporary city hinged on a strong ICT framework Total proposed development area: 2,000 acres Phased mixed use development that shall consist of; Business/Industrial district Residential district Hospitality district Mix Concept Development Primarily a resort town which has emerged as a perfect hideaway for the domestic tourist market It consists of several game hotels and also various isolated hospitality themed residential developments such as the Aberdares Lodge and Spa, internationally acclaimed Longonot Gate Golf Resort. A concise theme has been progressively nurtured in a gradual but isolated plan. The opportunity thus begs for an elaborate master plan on an extensive scale to capture the towns full potential. Theme: Studio city • Studio City capturing the growing media production industry as well as the bustling convention and conferencing industry. • Key economic drivers Media/studio productions Conference and conventions Entertainment • Naivasha Studio City (NSC) shall principally offer; Outstanding production services; Audio visual and print media Largest sound stages in the region, Film and production sets, Production offices, Music recording studios and offices. • In addition incorporate a Meetings, Incentives, Convention & Exhibition (MICE) industry Global examples: Dubai Studio City and the Macau Studio City in China. Media Production The city purposely to be built for promotionof the Arts. Provide locations where leading industry practioners will be able to acquire much needed space to host the ever growing media productionand digital businesses in Kenya. Attract local and international media production practioners to acquire space and set up regional bases. Broadcast media production including television, radio and internet advertising. Feature filmproduction studios,a tech hub inspiringinnovation among other activities. In addition,training institutions in the sector to nature and develop the media sector talent. Convention & Conferencing • Global expansion of the MICE industry , emergence of Kenya as a favoured destination for MICE. • Naivasha is an upcoming convention and conferencing destination. • Developing world class convention and conferencing facilities within NSC. • Investors shall invest in creating spaces to host these activities • Opportunity to reap good returns from numerous international and local events • Nakuru County Government and Ministry of Tourism shall create enabling environment to promote MICE tourism in the county • Boost linkages where the hospitality and entertainment sector will blend with the MICE industry Residential & Hospitality District Incorporate a well designed contemporary urban residential district to allow people to live and work within the city. Comprise of mid and up market housing developments targeting primary and second homeowners. Incorporation of high-rise as well as low rise residential developments in the design due to the expected high urban population A hospitality district to supplement the existing facilities shall be created which shall curve away from the bush/game hotel theme to a more urban hospitality theme within the proposed city. Create extended stay accommodation to serve the expatriate community. Hospitality investors to participatein development City development management team to scout for leading international hotel brands to partner with investors. A commercial district to provide other services and amenities such as banking retail and specialpurpose facilities i.e. Hospital and Schools willbe included. Key location attributes Close proximity from the capital city to Naivasha town. Availability of suitable land and good locations for development. Shorter traveling times due to good transportation networks i.e. via road and rail ( standard gauge rail from Nairobi to Naivasha) The town has great amenities especially in the entertainment arena. Great natural geographical attraction sites for both business and leisure tourists. Presence of 4 national parks as tourist attraction Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Hells Gate National Park and Longonot National Park. Infrastructure • Power Close proximity to power sources • Sewerage and water systems A good water supply and sewerage system to cater for a population of between 100,000 to 150,000 persons. • Roads Good road network that will connect to existing transport routes and other major transportation modes i.e. Standard Gauge Rail which will provide shorter travelling distances from the proposed city to the Capital. Key Merits Economic Increased revenue streams to the county government through numerous fees and licenses for the several industries created, development permits, land rates among many others. Foster domestic economic growth and empowerment uplifting the county constituents living standards. Social Through established mainstream and service industries, creation of several employment opportunities to the youth and economically disadvantaged groups in society. Mixed use developments create connected communities improving the quality of life in urban areas. Strategic Partnerships • • • • • • • • Development Finance Institutions Commercial Banks Private Equity Funds Multinational corporations International broadcast organizations Film and television domestic and foreign powerhouses Leading local and international MICE industry leaders National Government and respective agencies