- PS Mwangi said region holds a great potential in mining and mineral processing
- He asked the community and local leadership to work with the investor to ensure the plant is completed on time
The construction of an iron-ore processing plant in Voi, Taita Taveta county is set to kick off after the investor was handed land by the community.
The Sh11 billion smelting plant will be constructed by the Devki Group of Companies on a 202.4 hectares piece of land at Ngolia area in Voi subcounty.
Devki acquired the parcel from Mbulia community land, which is close to the iron-ore rich Kishushe area.
Speaking while handing over the title deed to the investor, Mining PS Elijah Mwangi said the plant is a great milestone.
"Value addition for minerals remains a central plank in supporting the creation of jobs and empowerment of communities to build economic resilience in Kenya," Mwangi said.
He said the region holds great potential in mining and mineral processing due to the large deposits of iron ore in the area.
The PS asked the community and local leadership to work with the investor to ensure the plant is completed on time.
Mwangi assured residents that the department is keen on engaging investors to establish transformative value-addition facilities in different parts of the country.
The government targets to have all Kenya’s minerals processed locally before they are exported.
Already, he said, the department is engaging an investor working on value addition for gold in Kakamega, granite in Vihiga and Fluorspar in Elgeyo Marakwet.
"Other investors lined up will invest in processing of soapstone in Kisii and copper in Eastern Kenya" Mwangi added.
Business mogul Narendra Guru, the founder and chairman of Devki Group, said he will involve local communities and artisanal miners to help them reap from the activities.
The plant would promote artisanal miners through providing them with equipment to boost production and supply the facility with adequate raw materials.
"We are roping in all artisanal miners in the area so that they can benefit. Everybody will be given the opportunity to supply iron ore to the plant," Guru said.
Governor Andrew Mwadime urged county leaders to shun divisive politics and rally behind the investment.
His administration is banking on investors to grow the economy and create jobs for hundreds of unemployed youth.
"This is a huge investment that will eventually make our country great and economically viable. We will give the investor all the necessary support," Mwadime said.
The county boss said construction of the plant will lead to economic transformation of the region.
Voi legislator Khamis Chome lauded Devki for the investment, pointing out that the plant will open more job opportunities for youth and professionals.
"Steel plays a very key role in the transformation of the economy, as it is the key driver in any industrial revolution, majorly being used in transport, building and construction, power generation and machinery," Chome said.
He asked the investor to consider local products during the construction work and to consider a corporate social responsibility initiative in the area during project implementation.
Leaders present include Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, Senator Johnes Mwaruma, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako among others.