Taita Taveta County unveils policy to attract investors, create jobs, and boost local economy
If fully adopted and implemented, the policy aims to raise both public and private investment to at least 25 per cent of the county’s economy by 2030, with private sector investment contributing at least 20 per cent of the county’s GDP.
The Taita Taveta County Government has introduced a new investment policy aimed at attracting and retaining investors, while fostering job creation, supporting local businesses, and improving the region’s investment climate.
The policy seeks to harmonise efforts in investment attraction, facilitation and monitoring, following years of uncoordinated development initiatives in the county.
More To Read
- EACC recovers Sh12.4 million from ex-Taita Taveta official in corruption case
- Wundanyi residents support construction of Sh9m bus park to ease congestion
- Kenyatta University suspends classes after tragic accident claims 11 students
- Crackdown on illegal charcoal burning in Taita Taveta County
- Boon for Taveta rice farmers as state donates mobile milling machines
- IG Koome recalls police bosses after Voi demolitions
The proposed framework outlines several strategic reforms, including the creation of a one-stop shop for permits and licences to ease bureaucratic hurdles for investors.
It pledges equal treatment for both local and foreign investors, and proposes land availability for development, with dedicated land banks funded through a portion of the county budget.
Governor Andrew Mwadime highlighted the policy’s potential to reduce poverty and empower marginalised groups.
“Poverty levels in our county are high. During the first era of devolution, you may find that many funds went unaccounted for due to a lack of guiding policies. With this strategy, we want to empower local youth and women to access grants from the sovereign fund and launch businesses,” he said.
The policy aims to create at least 1,000 jobs by 2026.
It also calls on investors to support local suppliers and adhere to responsible investment practices that respect the environment, human rights and community laws.
County sovereign fund
Central to the policy is the establishment of a Taita Taveta Sovereign Fund, which will support initiatives under investment promotion, facilitation, and aftercare. The fund will be financed through allocations from the county treasury, returns from investments, service fees, and grants.
The Taita Taveta Investment and Development Corporation (TTIDC) will spearhead the implementation of the policy.
TTIDC Chief Executive Officer Richard Kibengo noted that the lack of a clear legal framework had previously deterred potential investors.
“We have had donors and investors show interest in Taita Taveta, but there was no proper structure to engage them. This policy addresses that gap. We are discussing how to create a favourable environment where investors feel confident and supported,” said Kibengo.
County CEC for Trade, Tourism, Culture, and Industrialisation Gertrude Shuwe emphasised Taita Taveta’s strategic location and vast resources.
“We have large tracts of land, acres of ranches, and water bodies. The SGR stops here, and we have excellent road links to Tanzania, Nairobi and Mombasa. We are well-positioned for investment and logistics,” she said.
If fully adopted and implemented, the policy aims to raise both public and private investment to at least 25 per cent of the county’s economy by 2030, with private sector investment contributing at least 20 per cent of the county’s GDP.
Top Stories Today
