Taita Taveta County in collaboration with Village Enterprise, has officially unveiled its inaugural Poverty Alleviation Policy, an initiative that is expected to address the ongoing socio-economic challenges, facing the county’s residents.
In an event held at Dan Mwazo Hall in Voi, Taita Taveta County, Friday, Deputy Governor, Christine Kilalo and Village Enterprise’s Chief Government Relations Officer, Taddeo Muriuki, drummed-up support for the initiative from all quarters.
The document, which was crafted by the County government with support from Village Enterprise, aims to uplift the county’s vulnerable groups, such as youth, women, and people with disabilities, by promoting self-employment and income-generating activities.
Deputy Governor Kilalo, emphasised that the lack of a targeted poverty alleviation policy had hindered past efforts to combat poverty in the region effectively.
She noted that this comprehensive approach is expected to address the persistent effects of marginalisation that have kept many residents impoverished.
Kilalo highlighted several challenges faced by the County, including water scarcity, climate change, human-wildlife conflicts, and poor road infrastructure, which have hampered agricultural productivity and transportation for local farmers.
“The scarcity of clean water for residents and livestock has been a significant factor in the county’s poverty levels. Although we have well-thought-out plans for water provision, funding remains a major obstacle,” she explained.
Kilalo pointed out that many residents’ lack of land title deeds, poses a barrier to economic growth and stability in the region.
She urged both the National and County governments, to address these crucial issues, stressing that the new policy will help facilitate access to soft loans, entrepreneurial training, and support for small businesses, moves that are intended to empower local communities and drive economic growth.
“Many residents have encountered obstacles to economic stability due to limited access to jobs and basic resources. This policy introduces a structured approach to creating sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty, and addressing the underlying factors that have held our communities back,” Kilalo added.
Kilalo also encouraged residents to take an active role in poverty alleviation, urging a collaborative effort toward a more prosperous Taita Taveta County.
Taddeo Muriuki expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and reaffirmed Village Enterprise’s commitment to ongoing cooperation with the county government.
He mentioned that pilot programmes by Village Enterprise, have already benefited 1,500 families in the region by providing essential skills and resources to support self-sufficiency.
“I am delighted by the work we’ve accomplished together so far. This is only the beginning. We aim to explore additional avenues, for collaboration to foster the changes we aspire to see,” Muriuki said.
He emphasised that the policy’s implementation, will build on these initial efforts, creating a structured approach, to aid the county’s most vulnerable communities.
Muriuki also encouraged residents and other stakeholders, to actively participate in the policy’s initiatives, to drive community growth and development.
The Policy addresses several pressing challenges specific to Taita Taveta, including high unemployment, climate-induced hardships, limited land for agricultural activities, water shortages, human-wildlife conflicts, lack of title deeds, and inadequate infrastructure, which have exacerbated residents’ struggles.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth, Sports, Gender, and Social Services, Shedrack Mutungi, noted that these inherent challenges, required partnerships, to secure funding and implement poverty reduction programmes.
He emphasised the County’s dedication, to establishing a structured policy framework, to enable all partners to efficiently contribute to poverty alleviation.
Voi Senior Deputy County Commissioner, Daniel Nduti, commended the National government’s support of the county’s anti-poverty measures, including efforts to enhance local security.
He advised residents to focus on food security, by storing, rather than selling their harvests at low prices. He also discouraged illegal activities, including the sale of illicit brews, which he said undermines poverty alleviation efforts.
“Let’s retain our food during harvest season, instead of selling it at throwaway prices,” said Nduti, adding, “Engage in legal businesses. Relying on illegal activities, will never help us in poverty reduction,” Nduti added.
He highlighted the new policy’s importance in providing sustainable income opportunities and fostering collaboration between the County and its residents, to achieve lasting improvements.
With the launch of this Poverty Mitigation Policy, Taita Taveta leaders hope the initiative, will significantly improve the livelihoods of residents across the County.
By Arnold Linga Masila
