✕

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
Museveni's Dangote oil refinery dilemma
President Yoweri Museveni has blown hot and cold about the Dangote East African Refinery that broke ground on Wednesday and left the region unsure whether Uganda would invest in the project.
Chinese Embassy hosts national day reception, vows enhanced ties with Nairobi
China regards Kenya as a country of hope, has never interfered in its internal affairs but instead, firmly supported it in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity.
How snails can make farmers money beyond food
Farmers are being urged to explore snail farming as an income source, with meat, shells and slime offering opportunities in food, cosmetics and animal feed markets.
How Dangote refinery will reverse manufacturing sector's declining fortunes, prop up Lamu economy
The proposed Dangote-backed Lamu refinery is being touted as a potential driver of Kenya’s manufacturing sector and Lamu’s economy, with projections of increased GDP contribution.
Safaricom sues firm over Sh540m Okoa bundle debt
Safaricom alleges that Kubwa Capital is now seeking to walk away from the agreement without settling the outstanding amount.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS