How Taita Taveta Development Projects Are Transforming Lives, Creating Jobs

Development projects in Taita Taveta County are transforming the lives of residents by creating jobs, improving transport and opening up opportunities in sports, business, housing and entertainment.

Among the projects generating excitement is the Voi Stadium, which residents say will provide a much-needed facility for nurturing young talent while attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.

Ezekiel Maghanga, a resident of Voi, said the stadium had given residents hope after more than 20 years without a proper sports facility.

"Taita Taveta has a lot of talent, but many youths lost direction because there was no proper facility to support and develop their abilities," he said.

The stadium is also creating employment during construction, with residents saying its benefits are extending beyond sports.

Siminglton Mjomba, a Taita Taveta resident, said about 300 youths had already secured work at the construction site, with their earnings supporting other businesses in the community.

"Once complete, it will give footballers a proper platform and exposure, while competitions and visitors will boost accommodation, food businesses and local trade," he stated.

Mjomba said the project would help address challenges previously faced by footballers and entertainers who lacked suitable facilities to develop their talents and host events.

Transport infrastructure is also changing the economic prospects of residents, with the construction of a tarmac road making it easier to move people and goods.

Ibrahim Chavucha Mkarim, who was born and raised in the area, said the road had significantly improved movement while creating better conditions for farmers and traders to transport their produce.

"Farmers and traders can transport livestock, tomatoes, bananas and other goods more easily, while the connection towards Emali, Nairobi and Mombasa has opened up new business possibilities," he noted.

The road has also opened up possibilities for increased trade, with residents hoping improved access will attract buyers, industries and companies to the area.

The affordable housing project in Voi is similarly providing opportunities for young people while contributing to the development of the surrounding area.

Dania Ndighila, a youth from Voi, said the project had enabled her to secure an internship in interior design after struggling to find employment.

"I hope more projects will be introduced so that more young people can get jobs and opportunities to improve their lives," she said.

Elsewhere, residents of Shanzu Ward have welcomed the transformation of healthcare services following the improvement of Utange Hospital into a Level 4 facility.

They say the facility has eased access to treatment, reduced the need to travel to distant hospitals and improved the delivery of maternity services. 

Residents have also credited the hospital with creating employment opportunities while calling for further investment in infrastructure, medical staff and support for vulnerable patients.

Mtawale Mwaki, a resident of Bamako Maweni, says mothers can now access maternity services at Utange Hospital and deliver safely. 

She says continued government support would help more vulnerable mothers access maternity services without financial difficulties.

Mwaki also hopes the hospital will receive additional beds and doctors to further improve maternity care.

"The government should continue increasing this support so that more vulnerable mothers can benefit. I also hope more beds and doctors will be added so that maternity services can continue improving," she said.

Mwaki recalls that the situation was different before the facility was improved, when Utange Dispensary did not provide delivery services and mothers had to be transferred to Makadara.

"This was a major challenge, and some women even gave birth at home because they could not access the service nearby," she added.