Sub County of Opportunities

As the Default Capital of Taita Taveta County, Mwatate Sub County lends itself naturally to be the number one destination for investment within Taita Taveta County. Strategically placed centrally, Mwatate promises to offer immense opportunities for any upcoming individual seeking an affordable option of investment.

With 2 years already elapsed since the onset of devolution, the once sleepy town has grown to be a confluence of a continuous stream of activities which has injected some energy to the residents of the sub county.

The collective vision of residents is to see the steady growth of the entire sub county to reach the status befitting the location of the County Capital of the Majestic County of Taita Taveta, the county of Opportunities.

Vote for Proven Leadership.

Opinion Season is firmly with us…….

We all know that opinions are the cheapest commodity on earth. Everybody has one. So, why not give my own opinion?

Its common knowledge that as a country, we are in love with politics. We eat, breathe, drink politics and if we could, anything in between would definitely be an option for us. We have all been turned to political pundits, to our peril. These days, there is nothing like small talk. After the usual pleasantries after saying hello to someone, the next question almost always is: “Unaona nani akipata kiti August 8^th”….and depending on where you are, the conversation will steer towards who is the front runner for what seat and who isn’t.

For us in Taita Taveta, it’s no different. The conversation of who will unseat the Incumbent is now a belabored and almost nauseating one. Since 2014, barely a year after the current County Government took office; word on the street was that the current Wundanyi MP is already rubbing his hands gleefully, eagerly anticipating dethroning the Governor come 2017. Brandishing fierce sounding words like “mediocre” while referring to the current crop of County employees and “lack of experience” when poking at the Governor, his juggernaut caught steam, only to fade away after a few months.

Social media wasn’t left out either. Several WhatsApp groups, ostensibly formed to update the county bourgeoisie on the going ons within the county turned into something akin to a noisy marketplace: They became platforms for mud-slinging anyone you did not have the same opinion with while attempting to prop up your chosen messiah.

Currently, several gubernatorial aspirants have already lined themselves up to take part in the August elections. Some still have the headache of nominations to think about while others have the luxury to campaign to the last moment since they have the confidence of featuring in the polls. One common thread amongst all these hopefuls is their pledge to wananchi that they will do things better than what the Current Government has managed to do over the last 4 years.

That’s a good thing right there. The fact remains that the County Government has made some substantial gains over the last four years. The fact remains that Devolution is working and has come to the rescue of most wananchi on the ground. The fact remains that all gubernatorial aspirants already have an example to work with when they speak of the development they will bring to the County, because they can see it. The narrative most commonly peddled on social media, mainly by myopic riff raffs who sing from the rooftops that the County has done nothing is a terribly false one, borne out of envy and deceit to themselves.

The people of Taita Taveta will ultimately decide who will be their next Governor through their votes. Not by how many likes you get on your political campaign portrait on Facebook and definitely not by winning a bogus poll (read Straw poll) that was a hit a few weeks ago.

The conversation we should be keen on having as County Folk should be more productive than what we are currently having. All aspirants should be subjected to state clearly what they intend to achieve over the next 5 years. The incumbent has done a lot since 2013, a fact that every well-meaning county citizen will attest to. The fact that he is ready and willing to finish the job for the remaining 5 years is not lost to all of us. That’s why you should sit down, reflect and realize that the safest pair of hands to entrust our County is with a proven leader, our current Governor.

I’m for Proven Leadership. I’m for John Mruttu.

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Of Wheelchairs and Sign Language.

One of the most common forms of disability in our current society is physical disability. When the disability affects the lower limbs, causing crippling, the only aids available are either use of crutches, use of prosthetic legs or use of wheel chairs.

For the able bodied, a wheel chair can seem to be sort of like a toy, resembling the old generation baby walkers, where you simply place an 8-11 month old baby to learn how to make his/her first strides in life. However, for the physically disabled, a wheel chair means a lot more. It means the difference of either getting somewhere or not. It means either being independent or remaining under the whims of anyone with the responsibility of moving you around. In essence, it means either leaving a lasting impact in this world or simply being a victim of circumstances. All brought about by one thing:

Mobility.

Huge Step in the Right Direction

Month: January

Day: Friday the 15^th

This was a big win day for the fraternity of Persons with disabilities in Taita Taveta County. Representatives from the four sub counties all converged at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi where 100 wheelchairs and hats were distributed to various disability groups in the County.

County Government officials, led by Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Mary Ndiga Kibuka handed over the wheelchairs as received from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. In attendance were the Members of County Assembly representing Disability Interests: Hon John Maghanga and Hon Rozina Kisochi, Hon Justine Mwambi of Mbololo Ward, Hon Arresmus Mwarabu of Mwatate Ward, Hon Elizabeth Mwatela and officers from the Department of Trade and Community Affairs led by Director Richard Kibengo.

Sign Language – the Universal Language?

Most of the speeches on that day revolved around the theme of the event: the fact that wheelchairs are being handed over to improve the welfare of the physically disabled in the County, which is a noble cause. However, one speech given by Hon Rozina Kisochi stood out from the rest.

Think about it: Swahili is Kenya’s National Language. English and Swahili are Kenya’s Official languages. Is that the same case for our brothers and sisters who are deaf? And Dumb? Does Sign language have a place in mainstream society? Will we ever see a time in our country’s history where ALL students will have to learn sign language as one of the languages in their linguistic arsenal?

After thinking hard, it has definitely dawned on me that sign language is indeed a universal language. It takes advantage of one major component of communication: Body language. Literally! Only this time, you need to master some deft hand movements and facial expressions, which will signify something or lack of it. But the point remains: A smile will mean emotions of happiness whether you are in Timbuktu, Alaska or even Voi.

I pray to see the day when we will have sign language as part of our curriculum. Meanwhile, before then, we can perhaps strive to get more wheelchairs for our County folk as well as encourage more able bodied individuals to learn the Universal language, that is Sign Language.

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The KQ East African Classic Safari Rally back in Taita Taveta County

When I hear the word “rally,” I am immediately taken back to my younger years when I started to identify with the sport. The first name that comes to my mind and many of my peers is the Illustrious Patrick Njiru. He had an almost cult-like following back in the day with breathtaking performances against the likes of Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankunnen and Colin McRae. This was when the Safari rally was still part of the WRC rallying calendar and as a country, we would play host to world-renowned drivers from across the world. However, gone are those days.

Presently, the only opportunity we have to witness international drivers and their machines attempt to go into “battle” against the tough African terrain in what is dubbed “the world’s toughest rally” is the KQ Classic Safari Rally. Now in its seventh edition in its current format, The KQ Classic Safari Rally still demands lots of speed and endurance from its competitors as they take on a brand new route through the lush landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.

      

The rally will have the ceremonial flagging off from Mombasa on Thursday, 19^th November before the competitors make their way towards Malindi, Kilifi County for their first three competitive stages. 20^th November will be the D-day for Taita Taveta County since all rally cars will pass through Mwatate and Tsavo National Parks en route to Amboseli to tackle the competitive stages, which will be, ran within wildlife conservation areas. This is done deliberately in partnership with Wildlife Works who have put a package together to help rally teams offset their carbon footprint on this year’s rally, while simultaneously supporting conservation in the areas where the rally will pass through.

For one to have a feel of what the drivers have in store for them, take a look at the route descriptions that all drivers have received for the three competitive sections on Day 2.

Competitive Section 4 – CS 4 – 103.94km – The first 30 km is fast and twisty. The section becomes ruff from here with a lot of diversions over broken culverts. On some patches keep on best track you can see as the road condition changes off and on.

CS 5 – 85.25km – A very high-speed open road in complete virgin bush land, with a lot of wild animals, especially elephants. These animals normally move away from rally cars, but one must exercise caution on this road and should you break down, do not walk away from your car! At 52.00 km you approach a very busy, narrow village. Exercise extreme caution here!

CS 6 – 23.50km Ruff and mud holes to start with. Followed twisty thick rocky terrain and to end very fast road.

As we all look forward to enjoying this once-in-two-years spectacle, with the likes of defending champion and veteran Kenyan rally driver, Ian Duncan, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, Jonathan Somen and a whole list of championship drivers, safety measures have been put in place to ensure that no casualties are experienced during the gruelling 7 day marathon rally.

All spectators are kindly advised to ensure that:

1. All children are kept off the road and supervised.
2. All domestic animals and livestock are kept away from the road.
3. Do not drive on the rally road in cars, bicycles or motorcycles.
4. Don’t throw stones at the rally cars for it will be reported to the Police.

With all in place, I am ready to witness history unfold yet again in our County as the rally cars rev past us as we cheer them on in the “Crown Jewel of World Marathon Rallies” that is the KQ East African Classic Rally.

Question is: Where will you be?

Water Supply Status in Taita Taveta County

This update is provided, courtesy of Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company

Water Status Report – For the week 9^th to 15th November , 2015

Voi Water Supply

• The supply was satisfactory during the week.However, a burst occurred on the 8 inch on 10th November 2015 and this interrupted the supply in areas of Sofia, and Tanzania. Since the asbestos cement(ac) pipes are no longer in production, we no longer have them in our stores. We had to outsource the few pipes left from CWSB and by 14^th November 2015, the burst was repaired and the supply in the affected areas was restored.

• During the week, the Managing director, the Finance manager, Procurement and Assistant Technical manager were invited by the water services trust fund for implementation workshop training for 7^th call projects. Tavevo is implementing Taveta bus park sanitation project that had been approved for funding.

• Kaloleni water supply is now operating optimally after its supply was enhanced by extending the six inch pipeline by 100m and transferring the entire off takes to the 6 inch pipe.

• We have contacted Kenya Railway Corporation with a view of allowing us to upgrade the 3 inch pipeline crossing the railway line to 6 inch by micro-tunneling. This will improve the supply of water in Birikani.

• We recently extended a 2 inch pipeline from the railway to Kosovo community in Birikani.This has increased the coverage area in Birikani.

• We are currently laying a 3 inch reduced to 2 inch HDPE pipeline from Msinga to Mwingoni and Kasarani. We have so far laid 0.8km and expected to lay a total of 5.2km pipeline. The project is jointly supported by Tavevo, Taita-Taveta County Government and Voi CDF.

• The newly established sub-zones of Ikanga C/Lebanon and Embakasi shabaha are being served well with water. The supply is generally satisfactory.

• Water treatment is being done at BPT 2 on daily basis. This is to ensure that our customers are getting quality services.

• After the water browser fetching point was transferred to Ndii, the supply at Irima is operating optimally and the complains have been minimized.

• The 2 inch vindo pipeline from Lutheran was upgraded to 4 inch up to Somewhere at Bartholomew and this has improved the water supply in the area.

• There is a proposed extension of the 3 inch pipeline from vindo(near Bathlomew school) to Ikanga center to increase the coverage area.

Ndii/Mbololo

• Ndii Mbololo has been operating very well even after the bowser fetching point at Irima was relocated there.

Maungu Water Supply

• The operations in Maungu were satisfactory in particular the town .Water supply to Buguta is being worked on to ensure it is continuous. Atleast the place receives water once in a week.During the week,the station experienced power interruption that consequently interrupted the supply to Buguta

• We are replacing the old and dilapidated rising main to Itinyi pump house with a 4 inch HDPE pipeline.So far, 100m long pipeline from the pump house has been replaced.

 

Mwatate Water Supply

• The supply was generally satisfactory except in Mwasineyi where power fluctuation led to interruption of services.

• Supply in other areas was satisfactory.

• The rain season has improved the water levels at Ngirigunyi intake and as aresult,production has improved.

Wundanyi Water Supply (Saghasa, Kichingima and Wesu)

• The supply to Wundanyi was satisfactory. However due to the rain season, the intakes both at Wesu and Wundanyi have been heavily silted. The Zonal manager has been facilitated to ensure de siltation is done the soonest possible.

• The routine operation and maintenance continued during the week smoothly

Taveta Water Supply

Generally  Operation in Taveta water supply were smooth as there were no major interruptions reported except the CCCC contractor who is working on the Taveta-mwatate road who damaged the pipeline at Ziwani but he agreed to undertake the repair.

Summary of main activities:

• A new pipeline of 3 inch and 2 inch of length 5.2km is being laid from Msinga to kasarani via Mwingoni.
• The supply in Kaloleni has improved.
• The supply in Voi and other zones were smooth.
• The supply in Vindo has improved

So close, yet so far! Its 6th position for Mwachabo Racing Team

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)

After months of sheer hard work, rolling up and down the hills of Mwatate, it was a near hit case for Mwachabo Racing Team in this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

The starting line of the 21 kilometers wheel chair race was the beginning of a grueling fight for top position, with a total of Kshs 300,000 up for grabs for the top three finishers. Mutuku Matei, the sole representative from Taita Taveta County was on that lineup, together with seasoned athletes, well equipped with racing wheelchairs and gloves to aid in pushing the hubs of their well-oiled machines. You can try doing so with your bare hands for two miles while seated in a conventional wheelchair and you will most definitely give yourself a straight ticket to blister-land. However, Mutuku did it for a whopping 13 miles and emerged in 6^th position. If that is not phenomenal, then its uber-fantastic.

Matei showing off his finshers medal

His position number in the just concluded marathon.

This year’s wheelchair half marathon race had lots of significance, which is not attached to the fact that it was the 13^th edition it was being held courtesy of our good friends at Stanchart.

For the 1^st time, we had our county represented in this race. Taking the fact that we only had one representative (our second, unfortunately did not secure a wheelchair in good time) out of a field of just under 80 participants shows a lot of work has to be done in supporting people with disabilities and giving them a chance for self expression with such initiatives.

From left: Mwaziro, Hon. Rozina Kisochi, myself and Matei outside our hotel before the race.

With support received from the Directorate of Sports domiciled under the office of Trade and Community Affairs plus the Office of the County Assembly Members representing persons with disabilities, all travel and accommodation requirements to and from Mwatate was catered for. Perhaps the only blip in this awesome story is the fact that we never managed to secure a second wheelchair for Mwaziro, who was ready to whizz past the competition in this race. For sure, he will live to ride another day.

As per now, our sights are firmly set in the future. In 2016, we have the First lady’s Half Marathon set for March and the 14^th edition of the marathon slated for October. As Octopizzo and Wyre have aptly put it in a current ad on our legacy media,

“Kitu ni kukachora. Make a plan.”

That is exactly what Mwachabo Racing Team is all about right now. Making plans to seize greatness. And guess what: We have already taken our first step!!

Mwachabo Racing team being hosted to lunch by Hon. Rozina before the race.

Mwachabo Team off to Nairobi

5 months of rolling down hill, sore legs, pushing uphill, shortness of breath , dusty palms charred with tyre wheel smell  and hard core practice all boils down to Sunday 25^th October. The Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon beckons and The Mwachabo Racing Team has heeded to that call.

Two of the most recognizable figures in Mwatate are Mwaziro and Matei. Not recognizable due to their outspoken nature, which they both are. Recognizable because one of them uses a wheelchair and the other uses a tricycle to move around the now growing Mwatate CBD (Yes, we do have a Central Business district in Mwatate). Having observed them severally how they move about town, I have always silently wondered to myself how they go through life, on crutches or on a wheelchair. Am sure that is a thought that has swirled in any able bodied person’s mind when you encounter a person with a physical disability. I was no different.

After getting to know both of them due to the nature of my role in the sub county office, I got to learn quite a bit about these two gents and figured that it would be awesome to look forward to do something together in the near future. During our conversations, they always point to the fact that persons with disabilities are not given the opportunity to express themselves in the sub county and the county by extension.

Then I had a brainwave. “Since I enjoy running, and participate in the marathon every year, why shouldn’t I endeavor to have Matei and Mwaziro represent the County?” After sharing that thought with both of them, naturally, they were excited and there, the journey began. The journey to conquer the streets of Nairobi. With one message to pass to everyone: THAT IT IS POSSIBLE.

Seeking sponsorship for anything can be a challenge. For an event or initiative in its inception stage, getting the attention of potential sponsors remains one of the main challenges. Coupled with the lack of individual resolve and sheer belief in your initiative eventually results in a shelved project mainly due to lack of financing or a low key event or initiative supported by a few well-wishers is always a good compromise.

Abeid Hamisi, Mwatate DSCA handing over sponsorship documents to Matei and Mwaziro. Saleri , Ward Admin Mwatate and myself look on. Photo credit: Boniface Kimuzi, Chawia Ward Admin.

This is the challenge I faced when on behalf of the sub county office, took up that challenge of getting support from willing corporates. So, armed with a proposal, emails were sent, regrets received, meetings arranged and cancelled at the last minute and lackluster phone calls asking for feedback. Ultimately, our good friends at AAR Group of Companies, who coincidentally supported an initiative at Mwangea Secondary School during my undergrad years came through with enough support to cater for our stay in a decent hotel in Nairobi West area and participation in the Marathon on Sunday through provision of the wheelchairs for both Matei and Mwaziro.

Our focus remains unwavering as we fly the County’s flag high. Together with AAR, key sponsors of every Stanchart Marathon edition, who will be at hand to provide any health assistance during the entire marathon course, we shall run the race to finish what we started 5 months ago, from just a simple conversation.

Taita Taveta County LEADING in Kenya

 

 

 

 

 

Taita Taveta County and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) have enjoyed a cordial relationship since the onset of devolution. From the collaborative set up of the Country’s First Biashara Centre  to the provision of water barrels to women in Maktau area in Bura Ward, this partnership seems to be growing from strength to strength.

In the case of UNDP, one of its key projects in Kenya is to support the quest of devolved governance in Kenya, which will in turn achieve improved governance and socio economic development in Kenya. The project supports three short-term “quick win” devolution-related interventions including

i) support to the devolution process;

ii) capacity on peace building and collaborative leadership; and

iii) support to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

The broad interventions and activities were jointly identified by UNDP and the Government of Kenya to address the immediate needs of the Government while the mid- and longer-term interventions in devolution were being developed.

In line with this, 13 counties in Kenya have been involved in various projects, including Taita Taveta and so far Taita Taveta and Kitui Counties are leading in the implementation of their annual work plans.

Indeed we are truly committed to ensuring that our existing partnerships with key stakeholders in various sectors are sustained while taking advantage of them to deliver results to the most important person: The Taita Taveta County Residents.

Onward #Teamtaitataveta

 

 

Determined to Race!!!

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude”           Scott Hamilton

The Story of Matei and Mwaziro.

As Kenya was ushering in a new dawn at the time of independence 52 years ago, a baby boy took in his first breath of life in a desolate house deep in Taita Taveta. Born as a healthy baby, Matei bore the promise of long life full of vigor and resounding success in the eyes of his parents, despite their poverty at the time. However, a missed Polio vaccination appointment sealed his fate to the wheelchair at the tender age of seven.

Matei on his Wheelchair

Mwaziro, outside our Sub County offices.

Exactly 26 years later, a young woman was busy at work with her household chores. Her five-month pregnancy did little to deter her efforts to ensure that her family was well taken care of. In a cruel twist of fate, she slipped and fell on her already bulging belly, totally oblivious of what effect it would have on her unborn baby. Four months later, Mwaziro made his debut on the world stage and grew up as a normal baby would. However, after one year, he missed his walking milestones. A year turned into two, all this time he remained on his fours. After medical intervention, he was diagnosed with Spina bifida, which rendered him unable to use his spine for walking.

Challenging Times

Being disabled can be challenging. People who are not disabled may have a difficult time understanding the plight of those who do. The personal stories of the disabled can offer a refreshing perspective on the meaning of life and the triumph of enduring an entirely new way of living.

Mwachabo Racing Team

An offshoot of Mwachabo Persons with Disability Self Help Group, which is an entity committed in empowering persons living with disability, Mwachabo Racing Team was borne out of the need to spread the spirit of self-reliance amongst people with disability. Based in Mwatate Sub County in Taita Taveta County, the undulating hills of Taita offer the perfect environment for training on wheelchairs due to the sudden change in altitude after a few hundred meters.

With the experience of an elite marathoner, Matei guides his young protégé Mwaziro on how to conquer the harsh Taita Hills at least twice a week. Coupled with the fact that they are instrumental members of Mwachabo Self Help group, Matei and Mwaziro continue to be an inspiration to their members and to the society at large due to their determination and their positive spirit to live.

The Standard Chartered Marathon Dream

Since 2003 on every last Sunday of October, thousands of Kenyans from all walks of life converge in Nairobi to participate in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which is held to raise funds to support the eradication of avoidable blindness in Kenya. This year, the marathon will be held on October 25^th 2015.

Racer line up at the start of the tri-cycle and wheel chair race during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2010

Perhaps oblivious to many able-bodied Kenyans, the marathon also attracts hundreds of disabled participants who seek to put their mark on the event by wheeling for over 42 kilometres, (in case of the Marathon) which is no mean feat.

Since March, Matei and Mwaziro have been training to participate in the upcoming marathon. To them, it’s not simply about going to Nairobi and having a great time. For them, it’s a mission to pass a simple message to their members back at home:

IT IS POSSIBLE.

Having previously represented the country in the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, Matei is on a personal mission to relive his glory days as he seeks to pass the baton to a younger and more ambitious generation.

In Mwaziro’s case, who is currently a Form 3 student in an adult learning programme in Mwatate and aspires to qualify for university in the next two years, participating in the marathon is a statement of intent in terms of achievement in life for him in the future. Apart from aspiring to be a graduate teacher, he hopes to be the voice of the disabled in the County or National legislature in future.

Want to find out how you can support the Mwachabo Racing Team?

Ways to Support

By supporting Mwachabo Racing Team through your contribution, you will not only be enabling two outstanding individuals fulfill their dream of participating in the Standard Chartered Marathon but also showing your unwavering support in furthering the cause of persons living with disability.

Get in touch with us on 0725 959202. You can download the corporate proposal as well. Mwachabo Team Proposal

DATU Sawazisha Scales UP.

“For every marginal pound a woman gets, she puts 90 per cent of it back into her family. So if you invest in a woman, you invest in everyone else.” – Melinda Gates.

In 2014, just a year after devolution became a reality in Kenya, it emerged that support from the County Governments was one of the key needs of the people of Kenya. Taita Taveta residents were not left out either: the clamour for a much needed financial injection in their businesses grew louder and louder day after day.

Luckily, through the vision of our County Government, led by our Governor, Eng. John Mruttu,  a fund was set up through an act of the Taita Taveta County Assembly. Aptly named DATU, being an acronym of “Dawida Tuweta” the people of Taita and Taveta, the funds objective was to improve and stimulate the economy and standard of living in the County, provide credit facilities for women, the youth and persons with disability to enable them engage in profitable activities that enhance their economic growth and promote and develop enterprises within the county.

First Lady Hope Mruttu issues cheques in Mahoo Ward

3 cycles later, over 50 million shillings has been injected into the County economy through organised groups who utilise their funds to grow their respective businesses based within the County. The DATU Sawazisha Fund has been one of the many success stories of the Taita Taveta County Government and it still continues to make serious strides into unchartered waters of reaching more marginalised groups.

Sagalla Ward Administrator Rose Wakio issuing a cheque after conducting financial management training.

The beauty about this fund is that aside from the groups receiving monetary gains from the County Governments, before they actually receive the funds, they have to receive some formal financial training which takes them through how to properly manage their money and set financial goals meant to unclutch them from the strangle hold of abject poverty.

From the recent issuance of cheques in various wards in the County, it seems the juggernaut of positive development within Taita Taveta County is not about to stop any time soon. Keep it locked for more updates.

Mbololo Ward Administrator Mary Mramba issuing a cheque

Lucas Nguta, Kaloleni Ward Administrator issuing a cheque.

Mwatate Set to have New Sub County Headquarters

It was just five years ago when Kenyans overwhelmingly voted for the new constitution. With the stroke of a pen, the then President Mwai Kibaki, who had tried again 5 years earlier to usher Kenya into a new constitutional dispensation, assented the New Constitution of Kenya. At that time, it was hailed to be one of the most progressive in the world and five years on, the promise is slowly unfolding like a beautiful fairy tale.

At that time, Mwatate town was a sleepy town, which was left in development oblivion. The biggest building at that time was and remains the CDF building, which was a product of Constituency Development funds introduced after 2002. However, with devolution, Mwatate has risen from the forgotten town enroute to Wundanyi and Taveta to be the proposed capital of Taita Taveta County.

With this newfound status, Mwatate is slowly coming to terms with the fact that it will be hosting the County Government headquarters in a few years, after key infrastructural projects are put in place. The journey of development started yesterday when the key stakeholders (Office of Administration and Devolution, Public Works Office and Contractor) met in a formal handing over ceremony at the proposed site of the New Sub County Headquarters.

A section of the land set to host the upcoming Sub County Headquarters

An attempted panoramic picture of the entire section of the Sub County Headquarters

Sitting on a 60 x 56 metre piece of land, the proposed Sub County Headquarters will significantly change the skyline of Mwatate Town. As per the architectural designs, this single storey building will host a number of Sub County Offices as well as the Office of the Governor. Additionally, it will also house a Magistrate’s Courtroom complete with cells for both men and women to facilitate dispensation of justice within the Sub County.

While handing over the site to the Contractor, Shake Distributors, various officials from the Office of Administration and Devolution expressed their delight on the commencement of this project, which is expected to be completed in less than one year. Officials from the Public Works office, who handed over the architectural and structural drawings to the contractor, expressed their optimism that proper workmanship would be observed throughout the contractual period.

With this kind of development, it is definitely in order to state that devolution, if properly executed will bear positive fruits in the country. At least, that’s the case for Taita Taveta.