Kenyan government unveils Sh8.5 billion infrastructure projects for Tana River County

Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — The Kenyan government has announced an Sh8.5 billion infrastructure investment package aimed at transforming Tana River County through housing, road construction, markets, education, and agricultural development projects.

President William Ruto disclosed the projects during his ongoing five-day development tour of Kenya’s coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, and Taita Taveta.

According to the government, Sh7 billion will be invested in the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units, 3,000-bed student hostels, and five modern markets as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve living conditions in the county.

The projects include the Mapenzi, Vetlab, and Minjila affordable housing schemes under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

An additional Sh1.5 billion has also been earmarked for the tarmacking and upgrading of road networks to improve connectivity, expand economic opportunities, and support long-term development across the county.

Ruto further disclosed that investors were prepared to inject another Sh10 billion into sugar and rice processing factories expected to create employment opportunities for about 5,000 youths while unlocking the agricultural potential of Tana River County.

The president’s announcement follows a recent agreement signed between the National Irrigation Authority and Sukari Industries Ltd for the commercial lease of land within the Bura Irrigation Scheme for sugar production on 50,000 acres.

Under the arrangement, the investor is expected to undertake infrastructure development, sugarcane cultivation, value addition, and other support services linked to the project.

Kenya currently consumes about 1.2 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, while domestic production averages between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports to bridge the supply gap.

Governor Dhadho Godhana described the projects as historic interventions capable of transforming the county and addressing years of marginalisation.

Godhana, who also chairs the Jumuiya Ya Kaunti Za Pwani economic bloc, said the president’s visit had restored hope and renewed confidence in the region’s development prospects.

“We are in support of the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President Ruto because of prioritising infrastructure for long-term economic growth,” the governor said.

He added that the government had also demonstrated commitment toward expanding critical services such as water supply, electricity, road infrastructure, and technical training opportunities.

The governor further disclosed that the national government was constructing the first-ever Garsen Teachers Training College in the county since Kenya gained independence.

Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, said the institution would strengthen teacher education and improve access to quality higher learning within Tana River and neighbouring regions.

“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 marginalised areas,” Ogamba said.

The education minister added that the government was making strategic investments in teacher training to support the country’s Competency-Based Education system and strengthen human capital development nationwide.