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
Why modern tech is key to fixing insurance gaps
When minor disruptions strike an uninsured or underinsured household, the economic ripple effect is immediate.
Engineers challenged on road designs
Engineers have been urged to design and build roads that address challenges brought about by the effects of climate change, including floods and drainage.
Make-or-break in Ruto's Sh143b housing budget
Despite billions from the housing levy and increased funding, Kenya remains far from President Ruto’s target of one million new homeowners.
Tax Bill rebellion: Why MPs have rejected Ruto's proposals
The National Assembly's Committee on Finance and National Planning has broken ranks with Presiden Ruto’s administration, systematically poking holes in a raft of aggressive tax measures. 
New Sh4b project to spruce up Nanyuki's skyline
A Sh4 billion housing project in Nanyuki will deliver 800 homes in two years, create jobs, attract investors and boost economic growth in the Mt Kenya region.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS