Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced ongoing infrastructure investments worth billions of shillings in Taita Taveta County, as the government steps up efforts to address historical regional development inequalities.
Speaking during a development tour of the county on Monday, November 9, 2026, Kindiki said the government was pursuing equitable distribution of national resources to ensure all regions benefit from public investments.
The Deputy President noted that unequal allocation of national resources had contributed to uneven development, undermining efforts to build a united and cohesive country.
During his visit to Taveta Town, Kindiki inspected the progress of various national government projects targeting roads, housing, electricity connectivity, markets and student accommodation.
He revealed that 243 kilometres of roads were under construction across the county at a cost of Sh16.5 billion.
Additionally, the government has allocated Sh7.8 billion towards housing projects, markets and student hostels aimed at improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
On electricity connectivity, Kindiki disclosed that Sh950 million had been disbursed for last-mile electrification projects expected to connect an additional 9,498 households to the national grid.
The Deputy President also announced that the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) would finance the Mzima II water project and other long-standing water infrastructure needs in Taita Taveta County.
Beyond inspecting development projects, Kindiki held an engagement with residents of Taveta Town, where he received a series of requests touching on infrastructure, land administration and economic development.
Among the issues raised were the tarmacking of roads within Taveta Town, resolution of historical land disputes and the reopening of the Taveta Land Registry.
Residents also called for the establishment of a rice mill to support agricultural activities and create additional economic opportunities for farmers in the region.
Other requests included upgrading facilities in Taveta and accelerating the recognition of the Pare minority group as a distinct community in Kenya.
Kindiki was accompanied by Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, Woman Representative Haika Mizighi and Members of Parliament John Bwire (Taveta), Peter Shake (Mwatate) and Khamis Chome (Voi).
Former Governor John Mruttu, former Woman Representative Joyce Lay, Members of County Assembly, professionals and grassroots leaders also attended the engagements.
The visit comes as the national government continues to position equitable resource allocation and infrastructure development as key components of its regional development agenda.