Taita Taveta County is poised for a historic economic transformation as President William Ruto is expected to preside over the launch of the Ksh. 11 billion steel plant in the Mbulia/Manga area of Voi Sub-County.
The project, spearheaded by Devki Steel Company, aims to harness the region’s abundant iron ore reserves, promising substantial industrial growth and employment opportunities.
The facility is expected to directly employ over 3,000 people, with an additional 14,000 indirect jobs projected, addressing the region’s long-standing challenges of unemployment and underutilized mineral wealth.
On Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry, and Investments, Salim Mvurya, accompanied by Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, Devki Group Chairman Dr. Narendra Raval, and other leaders, toured the site ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for December 3, 2024.
CS Mvurya emphasized the government’s commitment to the project, describing it as a game-changer for both the county and the national economy.
He reassured stakeholders that the Ministries of Investment, Trade, Industry, and Mining are collaborating to resolve challenges in the mining sector, ensuring the project’s seamless implementation.
“This is a historical investment. Ksh. 11 billion is not a small amount. It will significantly impact the people of this region, and I call on all stakeholders to support this venture,” said Mvurya adding that, “All the other issues around mining of iron ore will be dealt with conclusively by our colleagues in the Ministry of Mining.”
Governor Andrew Mwadime hailed the initiative as a turning point for Taita Taveta County, highlighting its potential to boost employment, revenue generation, and industrial development.
“This steel plant marks the first significant industry in Taita Taveta and a turning point in our country’s development journey. It will create numerous job opportunities for our people, especially the youth, and bring life-changing benefits to local businesses,” Mwadime stated.
He further encouraged investments in other industries such as glass manufacturing, leveraging the county’s vast quartz reserves.
“If possible, because now we produce a lot of qwertz and are going outside and we don’t benefit from it. If we can get another investor, we can have another industry for glasses which will create more job opportunities,” he added.
The Governor assured Devki Group of the county government’s full support and called for further collaboration to attract more industries to the region.
Dr. Narendra Raval, Chairman of the Devki Group of Companies reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting local communities through industrialization.
He stressed the project’s focus on employing locals, supporting small businesses, and improving infrastructure.
“Our focus is not on profits but on changing lives. This project will bring jobs, enhance local skills, and drive economic growth for the people of Taita Taveta,” Raval said.
The site visit brought together key leaders, including County Commissioner Josephine Onunga, Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, Woman Representative Lydia Haika, and MPs John Bwire, Danson Mwashako, and Abdi Chome.
Senior officers from the State Departments of Mining and Industry and Voi’s security team, led by Senior DCC Daniel Nduti, were also present.
The investment follows years of negotiations and efforts to address challenges in the mining sector, particularly in Kishushe, a region rich in iron ore.
CS Mvurya assured stakeholders that lingering issues have been resolved, paving the way for the project’s smooth execution.
“Kishushe is a mining area with abundant iron ore. All challenges have been resolved, allowing us to move forward with this investment in Taita Taveta,” Mvurya stated.
Strategically positioned to harness the region’s iron ore deposits, the plant is expected to drive economic growth across Kenya by providing a steady supply of steel for the construction industry, reducing reliance on costly imports.
With strong backing from National and County governments, the December 3 groundbreaking ceremony signifies a milestone in the Taita Taveta County’s industrialization journey.
