Tana River unveils Sh39 billion eco-city project

Tana River Governor Major (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana has handed over 500 acres of land to Canadian investors to develop a Sh39 billion organic city project in Areri, Abakiki village in Madogo area, Bangale subcounty.

The Areri Organic City project is being undertaken by Conkrite Capital of Canada, integrating eco-homes, vocational training centres, regenerative agriculture and renewable energy.

The smart city organic project is being hailed as a model for Africa’s sustainable urban future that saves energy, conserves resources and improves urban living quality.

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Conkrite Capital has declared Tana River the “Garden of Eden of Africa” due to the region’s high biodiversity.

The project is set to create at least 2,000 jobs in the remote village of Abakiki and Tana River county at large.

Godhana said the county leadership and residents had approved the massive game-changer project, which is already ongoing in a 20-acre pilot phase.

He said the devolved government is actively wooing domestic and foreign investors to create jobs and spur economic growth. He also mentioned that his administration had a long list of partners and investors waiting to set up camp in Tana River, assuring them of total support from the devolved government.

“We need investors to unlock prosperity, create jobs, modernise infrastructure and drive inclusive growth,” he said.

“We are showcasing Tana River as a preferred destination for investment and bustling hub of opportunities for local and international investors,” he added.

Godhana welcomed the multibillion-shilling investment as one that will open up Tana River, which he said has remained a hidden treasure for far too long.

The governor noted the investment signifies a strategic shift from a history of underdevelopment and marginalisation towards a proactive, future-oriented development model.

The project, billed as the most ambitious eco-urban development in the East African region, will blend 25,000 modern housing units for residents, agro-business and renewable energy projects, and many socio-economic components for the local people.

“We want to take Tana River to the next level. Our county is disaster-prone, suffering from perpetual drought, floods, insecurity, diseases and alarming rates of poverty. We want to change this narrative now through rural urbanisation like this organic city where all needs — education, health, electricity, clean water, roads and modern life — can be enjoyed by all,” he added.

Conkrite Capital CEO Nicolas Del Valle said the project will be a living ecosystem, a model community city and the first of its kind in the East African region.

“When you build people, people build cities. This is not just a construction, but a civilisation reborn,” he said, adding that they are building an eco-friendly city from the ground up.

He added that the project will incorporate residential, commercial and agricultural zones designed to operate as a self-sustaining community with eco-homes, vocational training centres, renewable energy facilities, regenerative farms, an airstrip and other infrastructure.

Valle thanked the governor, local leadership and residents for accepting the project, pledging to give job opportunities to local youth.

He said the project will be executed in phases over 12 years and seeks to transform the area into a competitive tourism and investment destination.

“This is just the beginning as the story of organic city will be the story of the next 500 years as it is laying the foundation for a new kind of civilisation, one that empowers people, restores the planet and redefines prosperity,” Valle said.