- The KSh350 million project aims to provide a safe, secure, and comprehensive resting point for long-distance truck drivers.
- The modern roadside stopover complex will be constructed at Sultan Hamud town along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
- Governor Kilonzo Jnr highlighted the transformative impact of the Supastop initiative on employment opportunities.
Superior Homes Kenya, a family-owned real estate development company, has taken a leap into the logistics sector with their groundbreaking initiative, Supastop, to address the long-standing issue for truck drivers.
The KSh350 million project aims to provide a safe, secure, and comprehensive resting point for long-distance truck drivers, ushering in a new era of road safety and driver well-being.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Governor for Makueni County, lauded the project for its timeliness and innovative approach to beat the issue of driver fatigue—one of the biggest causes of road accidents.
“This is a unique project along the Mombasa highway and a general game changer in the country,” said the governor.
The modern roadside stopover complex will be constructed at Sultan Hamud town along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Supastop, an oasis to bridge gaps
In an era where integration of transportation and infrastructure is crucial, the project stands to bridge gaps in the transport sector by promoting safety and fostering holistic growth in the sector.
The governor of Makueni County noted that road accidents caused by driver fatigue are a critical concern, and Supastop’s provision of secure parking and affordable accommodation directly bridges the gap.
“By ensuring drivers get the rest they need, the project promises to create more alert and refreshed drivers on the road, ultimately enhancing road safety which is a paramount agenda for Makueni County,” he said.
Shiv Arora, the Chief Executive of Superior Homes Kenya, underscored the critical need for decent and affordable resting places for long-distance transit drivers.
“Institutionalized stop overs for long-haul motorists are non-existent, what exists at the moment is haphazard on the side of the road and very informal,” the CEO addressed the gap.
He further noted that Superior Homes has taken the institutional approach towards developing truck stops in the pilot program launched in Makueni County.
“The facility will have fueling stations, safe parking, security, accommodation, food courts, prayer rooms, showers and all sorts of facilities including truck breakdown,” Mr. Arora pre-emptied.
Mr. Arora expressed confidence that this project will open new doors for bigger and better opportunities in the future.
Mandated by law
In his address, Eric Latif, the chairman of the Superior Homes Kenya board, noted a pending court order served on the cabinet secretary for transport to ensure that the ministry provides lavatory facilities along major highways.
“We are working in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and others along the highway on providing such services where you not only give sanitation but sufficient rest for all road users, particularly the long-distance truck driver,” he stated.
Latif also disclosed that the Makueni County project will be the first of many.
The completion of this project will adhere to regulations such as the International Labour Organization’s Hours of Work and Rest Periods (road transport) Convention, 1979, and its partnership with the Northern Corridor Transit and Transit Corridor Authority (NCTTCA) equally aligns with the NCTTCA’s mandate to ensure smooth passage of transit traffic.
The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Hours of Work and Rest Periods (road transport) Convention (1979) stipulates that truck drivers should not exceed nine hours per day or 48 hours per week without rest.
Enhancing economic opportunities, employment hub
Governor Kilonzo Jnr highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘Supastop’ initiative on employment opportunities.
He expressed his appreciation for the phase of development that will create jobs, particularly for skilled individuals across various sectors.
“We have an opportunity for employment for the youth, stakeholders and investors in different sectors that will be associated with the construction of these facilities,” stated Kilonzo Jnr.
Notably, he assured the public that Makueni County intends to be a facilitator rather than an impediment, emphasizing that the county does not intend to impose restrictions on project stakeholders.
“It’s a new phase that brings employment opportunities to our people, therefore, we want to reiterate that we do not intend to impose any restrictions on the actors involved in this project.
The governor further emphasized the importance of engaging the local stakeholders, which will benefit the region’s economy and foster a sense of community ownership.
“Regarding the employees working here, the food used on-site, and the suppliers providing materials, we have engaged individuals from Makueni.
They will deliver materials for the construction process using locally sourced materials such as gravel,” he underscored the importance of community involvement.
In his closing remarks, he commended the proactive measures taken by his administration to expedite the process, acknowledging the zoning and oversight bodies working to ensure that necessary permits are granted swiftly.
“I have issued orders to those responsible for zoning and oversight to ensure that within 14 days, we grant necessary permissions for this project to proceed,” stated the governor.
Completion of the Supastop project is slated for the end of 2023.
About Superior Homes Kenya
Superior Homes Kenya PLC, a family-owned real estate development company, has been at the forefront of pioneering sustainable living in East Africa through its open-plan gated community concept.
With a diverse range of developments across the region, including Greenpark Estate in Athi River, Pazuri at Vipingo, and Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge, the company’s legacy of innovative and impactful projects continues to grow.
Superior Homes Kenya is setting a new benchmark by entering the logistics sector with Supastop, a project that not only envisions better transit experiences but also uplifts communities and promotes road safety.
The collaborative efforts with the Makueni County Government in projects like this underscores the company’s commitment to community support and sustainable development.
The company’s ambitious plan extends beyond just the Sultan Hamud location as it aims to set a new standard from truck stops across the country, with plans for 30 additional locations along the Northern Corridor, a network that connects key transportation hubs.
Mr. Arora, the company’s Chief Executive, notes that the project aligns with Superior Homes Kenya’s established footprint in having the real estate and hospitality sectors.
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“Having set records through various developments, the company’s foray into the logistics sector demonstrates commitment to innovation and impact,” the CEO said in conclusion.
