Government steps up inspection of key projects in Taita Taveta county to fast-track delivery under BETA

The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) on Tuesday led a multi-agency inspection tour to fast-track implementation and enforce accountability of national development projects in Taita Taveta County.

The team, led by Acting Head Olando Sitati and accompanied by National Government Administrative Officers and officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, toured ongoing infrastructure projects across Taveta, Mwatate, Wundanyi and Voi constituencies.

The visit underscored the government’s resolve to ensure timely completion of priority projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The tour began with courtesy calls on Taita Taveta County Commissioner Linda Okola, highlighting the importance of coordination between the national administration and implementing agencies in delivering development programmes.

In Taveta Constituency, the delegation inspected the Illasit–Njukini–Taveta (B55) Road, a critical corridor expected to boost cross-border trade, ease mobility and unlock agricultural potential in the region. The team engaged contractors and engineers to review progress, address emerging bottlenecks and reinforce adherence to timelines and quality standards.

The officials also assessed the upgrading to bitumen standards of the Cess (Nghonji)–Rekeke–Lake Jipe Road (Phase I), which is set to improve access to Lake Jipe and surrounding farming communities, stimulate commerce and strengthen links to regional markets. 

Mr Sitati called for sustained momentum to ensure timely delivery.

At the Taveta KCB Estate Affordable Housing Project, currently at 10 per cent physical progress, the team was briefed on construction of 814 housing units. The project has created more than 150 jobs for youth and generated economic activity through local suppliers and value chains.

In Mwatate and Wundanyi constituencies, the delegation toured the Mto Mwagodi–Dawida–Mbale–Wundanyi–Bura Junction (A23) Road, described as a strategic artery designed to enhance connectivity across key population centres and spur economic activity within the county. 

The team also inspected the Mwatunge Economic Stimulus Programme Market, now at 98 per cent completion. The modern market is expected to empower traders, improve working conditions and strengthen small-scale enterprises, in line with the government’s MSME pillar under BETA.

In Voi Constituency, the delegation visited Ikanga Airstrip, which is poised to enhance regional accessibility, boost tourism, strengthen emergency response and open economic opportunities through improved air connectivity and job creation.

The officials further assessed the Voi Pool Housing Project, currently at 50 per cent completion, alongside a tree-planting initiative integrated into housing development to promote environmental sustainability.

The final stop was the Voi Economic Stimulus Programme Market, now at five per cent following groundbreaking. Scheduled for completion in December 2026, the market is expected to provide a dignified trading space, reduce post-harvest losses for perishable goods and catalyze the local economy through expanded value chains.

Throughout the tour, contractors and implementing agencies were directed to adhere strictly to approved timelines, uphold quality standards and work closely with local administrators to address land, security and logistical challenges.

Among those present were County Commissioner Linda Okola, Voi MP Khamis Chome Abdi, Agricultural Finance Corporation chairperson John Mruttu, National Treasury Director of Public Investments Management Jonah Orumoi, Coast Water Works Development Agency CEO Hamud Mguza, Kenya Power Coast Region head Eric Langat, and representatives from the Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, the National Police Service and the National Land Commission.

The inspection reinforced the government’s results-based delivery approach, with officials emphasizing that close monitoring of flagship projects will ensure tangible benefits reach wananchi across Taita Taveta County.