The County Government of Taita Taveta has transferred key functions to Taveta Municipality in a landmark move aimed at strengthening urban governance, improving waste management, and unlocking investment opportunities.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Devolution, Gloria Monikombo, said the signing of the deed of transfer marks a critical milestone in operationalizing the municipality under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 (Revised 2019).
“The signing of the deed of transfer marks a critical milestone in operationalizing the municipality under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 (Revised 2019),” said Monikombo.
She noted that the transfer grants the municipality autonomy to plan, manage, and implement development programmes, positioning it to respond more effectively to the needs of a growing urban population.
Lands CECM Christina Zighe said the transfer covers key functions including solid waste management, infrastructure development, and management of assets and liabilities, areas that have historically strained county capacity.
“The transfer covers key functions including solid waste management, infrastructure development, as well as assets and liabilities,” said Zighe.
Taita Taveta has in recent years grappled with mounting waste management challenges, with reports indicating that most waste is disposed of in open dumpsites with minimal recycling or segregation at source.
A 2023 UN-Habitat audit highlighted systemic gaps in infrastructure, policy implementation, and service delivery, noting that poor waste management continues to undermine public health, environmental sustainability, and tourism potential in the county.
The situation reflects a broader national challenge, where rapid urbanization has led to increased waste generation that outpaces collection and disposal systems.
Trade and Industrialization CECM Getrude Shuwe urged residents to support the municipal board, emphasizing that public participation will be key to ensuring efficient service delivery and sustainable urban growth.
“Public participation will be key to ensuring efficient service delivery and sustainable urban growth,” said Shuwe.
Taveta Municipal Board Chairperson Costa Malai said the transfer will streamline coordination of services and empower the municipality to directly manage development priorities.
“The transfer will streamline coordination of services and empower the municipality to directly manage development priorities,” said Malai.
Urban planning experts note that devolving functions to municipalities enhances efficiency by bringing services closer to residents while improving accountability and resource use.
In Kenya, rapid urbanization has placed pressure on counties, many of which face limited infrastructure, funding, and technical capacity to manage waste effectively.
The operationalization of Taveta Municipality is expected to ease pressure on the county government, improve waste collection systems, and create a cleaner environment that supports business, tourism, and investment.
The move aligns with the national government’s agenda on sustainable urban development and positions Taveta as a model for emerging municipalities, seeking improved service delivery and economic transformation.
By Arnold Linga Masila
