Devki to set up Sh11b steel factory in Taita Taveta

Business
By Renson Mnyamwezi | Jul 02, 2024
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The government has designated Taita Taveta County as a strategic processing and value-addition centre for iron ore mining in Kenya, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said.

The CS said the county is now positioned on the road map for iron ore processing and value addition to stimulate investment and socio-economic growth.

This comes as the Devki Group of companies announced plans to set up a Sh11 billion steel factory in the region. It has identified a site at Manga Hill near Voi town along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway for the mega project.

Mvurya challenged the governor and the commissioner to move quickly to resolve the management crisis at Kishushe Ranch, which involves three camps claiming to be the bona fide officials of the ranch, rich in iron ore extraction.

"The national government will play its part in addressing the land and management conflict. Go and resolve the conflict as the county positions itself for the mega project that will transform the lives of the local community," the CS directed the governor and county commissioner.

Mvurya highlighted that the county has taken a leading position in mineral resources, and the ongoing reforms in the mining sector will significantly enhance the economy.

The CS noted that the government has identified the available mineral resources in the country through a completed airborne survey, revealing over 970 mineral occurrences nationwide.

"There is enough mineral wealth, and we have already done zoning. The county has been designated for iron ore processing and value addition to create more wealth and address poverty and unemployment. With the radical reforms being carried out by the government in the mining sector, we expect the GDP to increase from one per cent to ten per cent," stated Mvurya.

Share this story
Low insurance uptake fuels sector's shift
Jubilee Holdings is betting on digital platforms and retail insurance to boost coverage in East Africa, where insurance penetration remains among the lowest globally.
Of harsh realities and tale of two worlds: Mbadi admits Kenyans sought to lessen burden but offers little hope
Treasury CS John Mbadi put on a brave face as he presented his Budget statement in Parliament, painting a contradictory image of an economy that is on the mend.  
New digital platform lets Kenyans buy gold for as little as Sh20
Kenyans seeking alternative ways to save and grow their money can now invest in gold from as little as Sh20 using their mobile phones
Why Mbadi's Sh4.8tn budget is out of touch with 'hustlers'
They termed it a budget for the elite, with little deliberate plans to cushion the ordinary Kenyan from the high cost of living
Vulnerable groups, village elders get Sh42b
The National Treasury has proposed a comprehensive plan to boost support for women, youth, and vulnerable groups, with significant investments in social protection and safety net programmes.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS