ALP launches first modern international standard logistics warehousing parks in Kenya

Africa Logistics Properties (ALP) has launched Kenyas first ever grade A logistics and distribution parks for the international and local occupier rental market in order to improve much needed supply chain infrastructure in the country.

The company today announced two land purchases situated in the North and West outskirts of Nairobi, unveiling the purchase of 22 acres at Tatu City, in Ruiru, and 49 acres from Tilisi, towards Limuru.

“Economic development in Africa now rests significantly on the development of modern grade A industrial and logistics warehouses, which we are moving to build across targeted African capital cities, beginning with Nairobi,” said Toby Selman, the Co-Founder and CEO of Africa Logistics Properties (ALP).

The two warehouse parks will offer international standard warehousing to multinational and local regional companies in the logistics, retail, light industrial, FMCG and e-commerce sectors.

Kenya is among many African nations suffering losses on inadequate warehousing facilities, with the cost of moving goods in Africa estimated to be up to three times higher than in developed countries, accounting for as much as 75 per cent of retail prices.

"Once complete, the units will also be managed to international property management standards by ALP’s team,’ said Selman.

The company expects to create up to 500 jobs in each of its new warehousing parks.

At Tatu, ALP will be creating 50,000 sqm of grade A warehouse space, to be called ALP North. It has, this month, also agreed terms with an international company for the park’s first rental lease, for 14,000 sqm of warehousing, in Kenya's largest industrial lease to date.

Each warehouse will provide raised loading bays, 12m high operating eaves, large column grids of 12 x 24 metres, high load capacity, laser levelled flooring together with large high capacity truck yards and parking.

"These specifications enable operators to store up to eight pallets vertically, leading to lower storage costs and overall higher operating efficiencies," said Selman.

Occupier service charges will also be lower than traditional ‘godowns’, thanks to environmental features such as solar power - with mains and generator back up - and rainwater harvesting.

Other institutional investors include Maris, a Nairobi based private investment business focused on sub-Saharan Africa, and Mbuyu Capital Partners, an African focused UK based asset manager.

ALP also announced last week a $4m investment by DOB Equity, a leading Dutch family office, closing its initial round of equity investments.

ALP helps to drive down logistical costs by providing grade-A warehousing facilities that deliver built-for-purpose supply chain infrastructure.

"This infrastructure will create efficiencies that should lead to lower prices for consumers. It will also help both international and local companies to focus on their core business growth instead of having to construct, finance, manage, and maintain warehouses on their own,” said Selman.