As Kwale County prepares to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, pressure is mounting on Taita Taveta County leaders to lobby for their region to host a similar event.
Local sports enthusiast Hassan Mwaniki has expressed frustration over the county’s neglect in securing national celebrations, pointing out the stark contrast between Kwale’s development and the poor state of Taita Taveta’s sports infrastructure.
Speaking to Tsavo Media Network, Mwaniki voiced his concerns about the county’s lack of modern stadiums, emphasizing that none of the available facilities can host even 5,000 people.
“We have talents, but the poor condition of our stadiums is taking us back,” Mwaniki lamented, urging county leaders to take action.
While Kwale County, led by Governor Fatuma Achani, is celebrating the opportunity to host Mashujaa Day and the associated economic benefits, Mwaniki noted that Taita Taveta has been left behind.
The upcoming event in Kwale is expected to boost local infrastructure, tourism, and business opportunities, benefits that Taita Taveta desperately needs.
“Taita Taveta County has no stadium that can hold even 5,000 people. The only stadium we have is like that of Dawson Mwanyumba but its capacity is about 1,000 people,” he stated.
Mwaniki recalled that President William Ruto, during a recent visit to Mwatunge in Mwatate Sub-County, witnessed firsthand the poor condition of the local field.
He urged the president to consider economically disadvantaged counties like Taita Taveta when allocating national events, emphasizing that such events could improve local infrastructure and drive economic growth.
“It’s now time that if the national government really means about supporting all the counties in the country, they could give this chance to Taita Taveta County at least in the remaining 3 years of this regime to hold a national celebration,” he stated.
In response to the mounting pressure, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako has outlined a strategic approach to ensure Taita Taveta secures future national events.
Mwashako emphasizes that lobbying for such events is crucial, as they can bring significant benefits including infrastructure development and economic growth.
He highlights that counties like Kwale have successfully leveraged these opportunities through persistent lobbying, and Taita Taveta should adopt a similar strategy.
Mwashako acknowledges past attempts by Governor Andrew Mwadime to pursue national events for Taita Taveta but stresses the importance of rigorous follow-up to turn these efforts into tangible opportunities.
“There is a time I remember our governor Andrew Mwadime brought the matter out, but what is needed is doing follow-up,” said Mwashako.
He envisions substantial benefits for the county if it were to host a national event, such as the construction of new sports facilities, roads, and other infrastructure, which would uplift the region and improve local amenities.
He proposes that Taita Taveta should target hosting major national events like Madaraka Day or Mashujaa Day in the near future.
Mwashako calls for unity among Taita Taveta’s leaders, regardless of political differences, to effectively lobby for national events.
He believes that a unified front can overcome political divisions and drive progress for the county. As chairman of the Coast Region Parliamentary Group, Mwashako pledges to actively participate in these lobbying efforts, mobilizing coastal region leaders to advocate for Taita Taveta and leverage their collective influence.
“Together with my colleagues, this is an issue that we will take seriously. We will convince the governor so that he can lead us in doing the lobbying of such events,” he added.
He also plans to engage directly with President Ruto and other key officials during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale, using the opportunity to make a strong case for Taita Taveta’s future inclusion.
Mwashako emphasizes that political differences should not hinder developmental initiatives, urging leaders to prioritize the county’s growth and work together for the common good.
“Nowadays, all of us are leaders. We have our differences in terms of politics but if there is something that is meant to boost the living standards of the people, or to boost development, politics should not get into that,” Mwashako noted.
By comparison, Kwale County is making the most of its opportunity. With preparations at the Kwale County Stadium already 70% complete, PS Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo praised the county for its dedication, stating, “Kwale’s economy will grow not only before Mashujaa Day but also during and after the celebrations.”
Governor Achani expressed gratitude for the chance to host the event, calling it a historical moment for Kwale.
For Taita Taveta, the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale serve as a reminder of what is possible if their leaders take action.
The county’s lack of sports infrastructure and slow economic investment have sparked debate about its future. As Kwale prepares to shine on the national stage, the challenge now lies with Taita Taveta’s leaders to ensure their county’s turn to host a major national event comes soon.
