Nairobi: The national government is investing Sh8.5 billion in large-scale infrastructure projects to transform Tana River County. The government is committing Sh7 billion to deliver 2,000 affordable housing units, 3,000-bed student hostels, and five modern markets in an infrastructure renewal initiative.
According to Kenya News Agency, an additional Sh1.5 billion will be allocated for tarmacking and upgrading road networks to open up economic opportunities and stimulate long-term growth. The Mapenzi, Vetlab, and Minjila affordable housing projects align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), expected to stimulate economic growth while enhancing access to decent housing.
All the projects were announced by President Dr. William Ruto, who is on a five-day development tour of the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, and Taita Taveta. The president also disclosed that investors are ready to inject Sh10 billion into sugar and rice factories, creating employment opportunities for 5,000 youth and unlocking Tana River’s vast agricultural potential.
Recently, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) signed a commercial and lease agreement for a parcel of land in the Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River with Sukari Industries Ltd for sugar production on 50,000 acres. The investor will undertake infrastructure development, cane production, and value addition on the leased land as well as establish other necessary support infrastructure.
Kenya consumes approximately 1.2 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, yet domestic production averages between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes per year, necessitating imports to bridge the gap and placing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Area Governor Maj (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana said the projects represent a significant response to longstanding concerns about marginalization. Governor Godhana described the projects as ‘historic interventions’ capable of transforming the marginalized county. He, who is also the chairman of the Jumuiya Ya Kaunti Za Pwani (JKP), an economic block, described the president’s visit as restoring hope and infrastructure stability in the region.
The county boss said the public projects aim to bridge the country’s critical infrastructure deficit and boost economic activities. He stated, ‘We are in support of the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President Ruto because of prioritizing infrastructure for long-term economic growth.’ He added, ‘We are also happy that the President expressed his commitment to expanding essential services such as water, electricity, roads, and technical training.’
Godhana noted that to boost education, the national government is constructing Garsen Teachers Training College, the first since independence. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba said the new college is expected to strengthen teacher education and expand access to quality education within Tana River and beyond. ‘Once complete, the college will open doors for local students to pursue a career in teaching closer to home, expanding access to quality higher learning in one of the country’s marginalized areas,’ he said.
CS Ogamba stated that the national government is making strategic investments in teachers’ education and training, recognizing their critical role in preparing human capital for the Competency-Based Education.
