✕

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
Nakuru joins race for the skies after elevation to city status
Nakuru is experiencing a skyline boom after gaining city status, with landmark high-rise projects expected to reshape the city’s identity, attract investment and spur infrastructure upgrades.
Lamu rebuilds itself brick by brick after years of terror attacks
Lamu is rebuilding after years of Al-Shabaab attacks, with the new port, Dangote refinery plans and affordable housing projects driving fresh investment and development.
Revealed: Why Kenyans are pushed to unsafe housing
More than half of Kenyans accept housing safety risks because safer homes are unaffordable or unavailable, with informal settlements facing even greater insecurity amid rising housing shortages.
Kenya launches green building hub to power sustainable projects
Kenya has launched a national green-building repository to connect sustainable projects, technologies and investment opportunities while accelerating climate-resilient construction.
Mega ship call, Dangote refinery lifts Lamu's economic prospects
Lamu Port has handled its largest-ever single-vessel discharge after MV Hamouna delivered about 5,200 TEUs, highlighting the port’s growing role as a regional maritime hub.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS