This archive report was first published on 2 January 2022.
Published on January 2, 2022, Taita Taveta is set to witness a fierce battle for the governor seat, with 13 candidates vying to dislodge the incumbent governor Granton Samboja from power in the August polls.
Among the candidates is Stephen Mwakesi, a lawyer and economist who has promised to adequately address pertinent issues affecting the local community. Mwakesi, a close ally to Deputy President William Ruto, has vowed to address the thorny squatter issue, human-wildlife conflict, water shortages, and empower women, youth, and people living with disabilities if elected as the next governor.
According to Mwakesi, the county was endowed with enormous resources like water bodies, wildlife, and mineral resources which have not been tapped for the benefit of the local community. He blamed the current situation on the lack of establishment of proper channels of engagements and cooperation between the National Government and the county.
"There are certain communities in the county who have never owned land since time immemorial. I will ensure that such squatters are given land in accordance with the law, to improve their socio-economic status," Mwakesi said.
He also noted that the current Mzima pipeline, established in 1957, benefits residents of Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties, while Taita Taveta residents face persistent water shortages. Mwakesi promised to engage with the National Government to prioritize the commencement of the Mzima two pipeline to ensure residents in the county benefit first before the project is rolled out to other counties.
