- In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kenya, the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) organized an Investors Conference on the Read Morepromotion and construction of the RSS as part of Transport Infrastructure and services. The conference took place on 28th April 2015, at the KICC Nairobi, Kenya.
- The Conference was graced and officially opened by His Excellency William Samoei Ruto- the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.
- The conference which was highly attended by Hon. Ministers of Transport and Infrastructure and Ambassadors from the NCTTCA Member States of Uganda, Rwanda, DR. Congo, Burundi and South Sudan.
- The Conference was also attended by Development Partners, Development Banks as well as Regional Institutions and NGOs.
- The Conference drew the Business Community and prospective Private sector Investors from the region in areas of transport and logistics, Energy, Manufacturing, Trade and Industry.
- High-level panel discussions were led by Key Note Speakers, Panelists and Discussants from the following institutions; African Development Bank, East African Community, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), JICA, ANAPI, Ken Invest, Kenyan National Treasury and PPP Unit, Kenya National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), Safe Way Right Way, Total, Rwanda High Commission in Kenya.
- While opening the conference, the Deputy President officially unveiled the RSS Model design to be adopted while promoting the development of the Services. The Kenya Government reiterated its high level support of the program and welcomed prospective Investors in the facilities.
- Cognizance of the fact that the establishment of rest stops will not only provide rest places, restaurants, health facilities to address fatigue and road safety challenges, the Northern Corridor Authority commended the fact that these facilities will also be used as trade centers for the local communities along the highways to sell their produce and art crafts. Indeed, these will be a unique infrastructure that addresses social issues, alleviate poverty and directly benefits local communities along the transport corridors.
- Re-affirming their policy organs resolution, the Hon. Ministers renewed their commitment and support from the Member States to:
- Develop Roadside Stations as an integral part of Transport Infrastructure Services along the Corridor.
- Develop and put in place required Policy and Regulatory and Institutional Frameworks for promoting Roadside Stations in partnership with the Private Sector
- Agreed that Institutional Frameworks for spearheading the implementation of the Project be set up in each of the Member States coordinated by the Ministry in charge of Transport infrastructure. The Membership to comprise of Ministries of Finance and Treasury ( PPP Unit), Ministries in charge of Land, Ministries in charge of Health, National High Way/ Road Authorities, Agencies in charge of Road Safety, National Investment Agencies.
- Further agreed that the Coordinating Ministries of Transport in Consultations with the Ministry of Finance will come up with an appropriate financing model and concession mechanisms for implementing these infrastructure services.
- Secured commitment from Development Partners and Regional Financial Institutions to enter into dialogue with prospective private investors in collaboration with Governments with view of identifying financing windows from Development Banks.
- Tasked the NCTTCA with overall coordination and steering of the program in all the 6 Member States of the Northern Corridor as well as roll out of the program to all the Member States.
- Expressed a sincere vote of thanks to the Government of Kenya for hosting the conference and the high level political commitment towards working with Private sector in developing Transport infrastructure and other services through PPPs.
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