Athi River (Mavoko Town) is a town outside Nairobi, Kenya in Machakos County. The town is named after the Athi River, which passes through. It is also known as Mavoko.
Athi River hosts the Mavoko Municipal Council and is the headquarters of Mavoko division, which is part of Machakos County. The town’s population is 81,302 (2019 census), and it is still growing due to its proximity to the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi.
Athi River, also known as Mavoko, is a town situated approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Nairobi in Machakos County, Kenya. Named after the Athi River that traverses the area, it serves as the administrative center for the Mavoko division. According to the 2019 census, the town has a population of 81,302 residents.
Geographical Context
Athi River is part of the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan area, benefiting from its proximity to Kenya’s capital city. The town’s strategic location along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and the presence of a railway station on the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway enhance its connectivity and accessibility.
Industrial and Economic Landscape
The town is recognized for its industrial activities, hosting several cement factories, including Bamburi Cement, Mombasa Cement, East Africa Portland Cement Company, Savannah Cement, National Cement, and Athi River Mining. Additionally, it is home to a chewing gum factory owned by the Wrigley Company and other notable companies such as Doshi Steel, Mabati Rolling Mills, Seed Co., Kapa Oil Refineries, and Devki Steel.
Educational Institutions
Athi River houses educational institutions like Daystar University, which has a campus in the town, contributing to the educational development of the region.
Environmental Considerations
The town’s rapid industrialization has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding air pollution. Residents have reported health issues attributed to emissions from local industries, prompting discussions on environmental management and sustainable industrial practices.
Urban Development
Athi River has experienced significant urban growth, with increased real estate development catering to the rising population. The town’s infrastructure includes tarmacked roads and amenities that support both residential and commercial activities.
In summary, Athi River (Mavoko) is a rapidly growing town that plays a crucial role in Kenya’s industrial sector while facing challenges related to environmental sustainability and urban planning.
Metropolitan area
Athi River is part of the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan area.
History
Athi River, also known as Mavoko, was carved off the Nairobi County Council in 1963, when the latter was disbanded. Mavoko municipality has six wards (Athi River West, Katani, Kinanie/Mathani, Makadara, Muthwani and Sophia). All these wards belong to Mavoko constituency, which has a total of ten wards. The remaining four wards are within Masaku County Council
Industry
The town is relatively industrialised for Kenya. There are six cement factories located within the town: Bamburi Cement, Mombasa Cement, East Africa Portland Cement Company, Savannah Cement, National Cement and Athi River Mining.
The town is home to a chewing gum factory owned by the Wrigley Company.
There are also other notable companies within the town’s outskirts such as Doshi Steel, Mabati Rolling Mills, Seed Co., Kapa Oil Refineries and Devki Steel.
Business
Athi River is ambient with sprouting businesses. Some of the most notable businesses include the Coloho Mall, Crystal Rivers Safaricom Mall, Trailink Logistics, and the Wattle Blossom Retreat Centre. Some of the factors influencing the rapid growth of businesses in the area include the increased real estate development in the region and the proximity to Nairobi City and mining companies.
Education
The Daystar University has a campus in the town.
Transport
Athi River has a railway station built in 1920 along the Uganda Railway, from Mombasa to Kisumu. There is also a new railway station on the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.
Athi River is also linked to Nairobi via the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (commonly known as Mombasa Road), a tarmacked dual carriageway, and to nearby Kitengela by Namanga Road, a tarmacked single carriageway. Residents of Athi River are served by Routes 110 and 120 to the Nairobi CBD.
