Residents of Taita Taveta County are set to benefit from a significant economic boost with the announcement of a Ksh 11 billion steel processing factory in Voi, expected to generate approximately 6,000 direct job opportunities.
This factory aims to transform the region into a major industrial hub and address its high unemployment rates.
During the land handing over ceremony on August 3, 2024, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime expressed his commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from this investment. “We officially handed over 202.4 hectares of land to Devki Steel Mills Limited for the construction of this iron-ore processing plant,” Mwadime declared.
Devki Chairman Narendra Raval spoke about his commitment to supporting local miners and artisans, stating, “We will try to support each and every individual, including miners and artisan miners, with mechanisms to mine more and progress to higher levels of the industry.”
Raval also pointed out the factory’s potential to alleviate unemployment among the youth, saying, “If you work, definitely it is very good for the country. The country is facing a Gen Z problem—not a problem of Gen Z themselves but of unemployment.”
Local leaders are eager to ensure the investment benefits both the community and the local economy. Moreover, they are advocating for legislative support to protect both investors and the workforce.
Senator Jones Mwaruma promised to focus on environmental sustainability, stating, “I will review the laws we enact to ensure they are adhered to.” This landmark project symbolizes hope and revitalization for Taita Taveta County.
