Christine Saru Kilalo, Deputy Governor Taita Taveta County

01/09/2026

Ziada Solutions in Taveta is demonstrating what young innovation can achieve when local ideas are matched with technology, determination and the right partnerships.

Yesterday, during my official tour of Taveta, I revisited Ziada Solutions—my second visit since 2023—and witnessed remarkable progress. From operating with a single machine, the enterprise has expanded its technology, introduced portable solutions that take services closer to farmers, and created more opportunities for local youth and women.

Through its circular model, Ziada transforms banana waste into fibre, paper, biochar and other value-added products, working with farmers and the Taita-Taveta Banana Cooperative Society. This is a powerful example of how innovation can turn agricultural waste into income, jobs and environmental solutions.

This is the trajectory we want more young people to emulate: start with what you have, innovate, create jobs, add value and scale. As a County, through the Department of Youth and strategic partnerships, we will continue connecting innovators to opportunities, markets and partnerships.

Our youth have the ideas. Our role is to help connect those ideas to opportunities that can take them further.

01/09/2026

Yesterday, during my official tour of Taveta, I engaged Taveta TVET Principal Makoha Wafula on strengthening technical and vocational training and creating more opportunities for our youth to gain skills for a better future.

31/08/2026

Chalar Farms Ltd is a powerful example of how agribusiness, innovation and determination can turn local opportunities into enterprises with global potential.

During my official tour of Taveta, I visited the farm and engaged its Director, Johnson Ngila, on their journey from serving the local market to scaling up for export in herbal and fresh herb production.

The enterprise provides an opportunity for benchmarking and learning, especially for our youth, while opening new channels for investment, trade and county revenue.

I encourage our youth to start local, think bigger and seize opportunities in agribusiness and value addition.

Together, let’s transform .

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Leo, katika ziara yangu ya maendeleo Taveta, nilitembelea Shule ya Msingi ya Njukini, ambapo niliwahimiza wanafunzi kujituma katika masomo, kujiamini na kulenga kufikia viwango vya juu zaidi.

Vile vile nilipata fursa ya kuwaunga mkono wanafunzi wa Njukini,Ulawani,chokaa,lumi na sir-ramson comprehensive schools kupitia kugawa S**o.

Hakuna Mwanafunzi anayepaswa kubaki nyumbani kwasababu ya ukosefu wa S**o.

29/08/2026

As an advocate of the Constitution of Kenya, I believe we must uphold affirmative action, gender equality and the two-thirds gender rule. Women must be empowered and encouraged to take up leadership and decision-making positions at all levels. This is a constitutional right and a key step towards inclusive leadership.

Our administration, under H.E Dr. Andrew Mwadime - Wakujaa, EGH, Governor Taita Taveta County, has demonstrated that gender equality matters in governance, empowerment and leadership. We must continue creating space for women to lead, participate and shape the future of our county.

29/08/2026

Committed to Serve

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH — TAITA TAVETA MUST ACT ON TEENAGE PREGNANCIES

The Directorate of Gender and Social Services is deeply concerned by the reported 1,000+ teenage pregnancies recorded in Taita Taveta County during FY 2025/2026.

The figures, drawn from Department of Health Services Ante-Natal Clinic (ANC) records, are a serious wake-up call. They demand urgent, coordinated and sustained action from all of us.

Behind every statistic is a child whose education, health, safety and future may be at risk.

The Directorate has engaged health officers and other relevant actors to understand the magnitude and root causes of this crisis. Preliminary discussions point to issues including child neglect, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), early and forced marriages, harmful cultural practices and other forms of exploitation and vulnerability.

This is not simply a health issue. It is a child protection, gender, education, justice and community responsibility.

As the Directorate responsible for Gender and Social Services, we are committed to leading and supporting a multi-sectoral response involving:

✔️Department of Health Services

✔️Children Services

✔️National Gender and Equality Commission

✔️The Judiciary and justice actors

✔️County Assembly

✔️National and County Government administration

✔️Religious and community leaders

✔️Civil Society Organizations

✔️Schools and education stakeholders

✔️Parents, guardians and communities

Our commitment is clear: ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, CHILD MARRIAGE AND TEENAGE PREGNANCIES.

We must also remember the girls who are already affected. They need protection, psychosocial support, access to justice, opportunities to return to school, vocational skills and the support necessary to rebuild their lives with dignity.

We therefore call upon every parent, guardian, teacher, leader and citizen of Taita Taveta to take responsibility.

See something? Report it.
Know a child at risk? Protect her.
Suspect abuse? Speak up.
Do not normalize child marriage or sexual exploitation.

Our girls deserve the opportunity to grow, learn, dream and determine their own futures.

Taita Taveta must do better. Together, we can.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

LET GIRLS BE GIRLS.

29/08/2026

Happening now!
Empowerment Widows, Mahoo Ward