President William Ruto has announced that the expansion of the Mzima Springs water project in Taita-Taveta County will commence this year. The project, which will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund, aims to tackle perennial water shortages in the county and neighboring areas. The project will provide water to Mwatate, Voi, and Taveta constituencies and also supply Mombasa City.
The President made the announcement during a Sunday service at Mwatate Pentecostal Church, Taita-Taveta, on the second day of his development tour of the county. He attributed the region's persistent water shortages to inadequate supply, noting that the first phase of Mzima Springs was completed in 1984, more than 40 years ago. The President emphasized that the National Infrastructure Fund was established to finance major investments in roads, electricity connectivity, and dams as part of the Government's plan to speed up development.
President Ruto also touched on the national unity agenda, affirming that equitable development remains central to his vision of a united country where no region is left behind. He cited the formation of the Broad-Based Government, anchored on a working arrangement between the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement, as a key step towards achieving this goal. The President's development tour of Taita-Taveta County is part of his efforts to engage with residents and leaders across the country.
The President urged political leaders to focus on solutions for their constituents rather than blame others, saying he is deliberately working with leaders across the political divide. He commended Taita-Taveta leaders for cooperating with the Broad-Based Government and reminded them that elective office is a call to service. President Ruto emphasized that politics is not a matter of life and death but a God-given opportunity to serve.
On infrastructure development, President Ruto highlighted the ongoing construction of the KSh5 billion railway line from Voi towards Tanzania. Five stations will be built at Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau, and Taveta. The President also disclosed that seven markets are under development across the county to provide better operating spaces for small-scale traders. Additionally, he announced that the long-stalled Mto Mwagodi-Mbale-Bura road is now under construction and progressing well.
President Ruto also addressed the issue of affordable housing, noting that construction in Mwatate has been delayed by a land dispute that has now been resolved. The Government allocated KSh1.5 billion for the project more than a year ago. The President announced that the court case that had delayed the project is now over, and the project will be launched next week. He also donated KSh10 million each to Kenyatta High School and Mwasere Girls High School for the construction of more classrooms.
The President further announced that 31,328 beneficiaries in Taita-Taveta will receive title deeds on Thursday, as part of the Government's efforts to comprehensively address the squatter challenge in the Coast region. He recalled his 2022 campaign promise to address the land question and declared that the intervention will end uncertainty and give families security to invest. President Ruto emphasized that the Government is working round the clock to address the squatter problem by buying land from absentee landlords so that people can plan their lives without fear of eviction and disruption.
Key points
- The expansion of the Mzima Springs water project will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund.
- President Ruto announced that 31,328 beneficiaries in Taita-Taveta will receive title deeds.
- The Government has allocated KSh30 billion for the Mzima Springs water project.