Taita Taveta Flags Off First Iron Ore Haulage to Devki Steel Pelletisation Plant

Taita Taveta County has flagged off the first iron ore haulage consignment from Kishushe Ranch. The ore is heading to the Devki Iron Ore Pelletisation Plant in Manga-Voi. The move marks the start of operations at the KSh 11 billion facility.

Pelletisation is the process of converting raw iron ore into pellets suitable for steel production. The plant is scheduled for official commissioning next month by President William Ruto. The flag-off ceremony drew local leaders and stakeholders who celebrated the milestone for the county’s mining sector.

Kishushe mining operations are expected to generate around KSh 540 million annually in own source revenue for the county. This income will support service delivery and development programmes.

The project emphasises local processing and value addition. Officials say it will create thousands of jobs and ensure communities benefit directly from their natural resources.

Iron ore haulage requires reliable road infrastructure and logistics capacity. The start of regular consignments will test and strengthen transport links between the ranch and the pelletisation site.

The Devki plant represents major industrial investment in the region. It will add significant value before export or further use of the processed material.

County authorities view the development as a step toward turning Taita Taveta into a mining and processing hub. They expect backward and forward linkages that benefit local suppliers and service providers.

The first consignment sets the stage for scaled-up production once the plant is fully commissioned. Steady operations should deliver the projected economic returns and employment opportunities.

Mining and processing activities of this scale involve substantial civil works, including access roads, loading facilities and plant infrastructure already under development in the area.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote value addition in Kenya’s mining sector. Local processing reduces raw material exports and retains more economic benefits within the country.