Taita Taveta County is experiencing a significant development boost with over 60 national government priority projects and programmes valued at over Sh 49 billion either completed, under implementation, or in the pipeline. These projects span various sectors including roads and transport, affordable housing, markets, agriculture and irrigation, health, education, electricity, ICT, and social protection. This broad push aims to strengthen infrastructure while creating new opportunities for communities and businesses.
President Dr. William Ruto, during his recent four-day working visit to the county, emphasized his commitment to fulfilling promises made to Kenyans and residents of Taita Taveta. He stated that these multibillion-shilling projects demonstrate his commitment to the county's development and betterment of its residents. The President reiterated the government's focus on ensuring development is spread across the country, with an emphasis on marginalized communities.
Road infrastructure is a major component of the programme, with several key projects underway. The 54-kilometre Mto Mwagodi-Dawida-Mbale-Wundanyi-Bura road is being upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost of Sh 2.1 billion. Additionally, the Sh 2 billion Cess (Nghonji)-Rekeke-Lake Jipe Phase One road and the Sh 646.5 million Taita Taveta Package One and Package Two roads are substantially complete. These road works are complemented by Last-Mile electricity connections, which have expanded the county's electricity customer base to 78,655.
The development programme also includes significant investments in housing and urban development. The Taveta Affordable Housing Project at KCB Estate comprises 831 units in eight blocks at a cost of Sh 2.3 billion, while the Voi Affordable Housing Project includes 446 units and associated infrastructure at Sh 1.2 billion. Furthermore, the government is developing student accommodation, including the 1,680-bed Taita Taveta University Students' Village, valued at Sh 736 million.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime welcomed the projects, citing cooperation between the national and county governments as key to addressing longstanding development gaps. He expressed gratitude to President Ruto and the national government for the ongoing projects in the county. The county government will continue working with the national government to ensure the projects translate into better livelihoods for residents.
The development agenda in Taita Taveta extends to health and human capital, with several facilities receiving equipment and improvements. Moi County Referral Hospital-Voi, Taveta Sub-County Hospital, and Wesu Sub-County Hospital are among the facilities benefiting from upgrades. The county is also benefiting from ICT investments, including a Jitume Lab in Mwatate and Digital Hubs at Taveta Technical and Vocational College and Taita Taveta National Polytechnic.
Social protection and economic empowerment programmes are also part of the wider development portfolio in Taita Taveta. The Inua Jamii programme has channelled Sh 863.6 million in cash transfers to 7,240 beneficiaries in the county. The Hustler Fund has provided Sh 614 million in digital micro-credit and matched savings for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, over 245,000 residents are registered under the Social Health Authority, widening access to government-supported social and health services.
Key points
- Over 60 national government priority projects valued at Sh 49 billion are transforming Taita Taveta County.
- The projects span various sectors, including roads, housing, markets, agriculture, health, education, electricity, ICT, and social protection.
- The development programme aims to strengthen infrastructure, create new opportunities for communities and businesses, and improve livelihoods for residents.
