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
Nairobi county, residents clash over apartments height
Nairobi County has been approving unregulated high-rise apartments using a draft that was only passed into law last month, the Supreme Court was told on Thursday
Quality of power supply queried as Kenya suffers major blackout
A nationwide power failure on Wednesday night brought critical sectors of the Kenyan economy to a standstill, as the quality of electricity supply was brought to question once again.
More Kenyans ditch money market funds for higher-yielding special schemes
Although MMFs remain the largest investment category, their market dominance has fallen significantly as special funds and fixed income funds gain market share.
Kenya eyes 5m visitors as Magical Kenya travel expo targets record attendance
Kenya is set to host more than 10,000 delegates from 40 countries during this year's Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), as the country steps up efforts to grow tourism.
Nairobi to host Africa commerce summit in October amid calls to push for increase in intra-Africa trade
Nairobi will host the second ACIS 2026 from October 14–16, 2026, bringing together more than 5,000 delegates, 350 exhibitors, and representatives from over 50 countries.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS