Taita‐Taveta County:
A Land of Contrasts
Spanning approximately 17,084 km², Taita Taveta County is a land of geographic and ecological diversity—with 62% of its area designated as Tsavo East and West National Parks and about 38% used for agriculture, ranching, estates, forests, and human settlements.
Key Features
Savannah Lowlands: Dry, semi-arid areas with around 440 mm annual rainfall—home to ranches, sisal estates, and farms.
Highlands & Hilltops: Receive up to 1,900 mm of rainfall, supporting lush vegetation, indigenous hilltop forests, and vibrant highland settlements.
Land Use and Conservation Highlights
Ranches & Estates: The county hosts approximately 25 ranches and three major sisal estates—Teita, Voi, and Taveta—that combine agriculture with wildlife tourism.
Hilltop Forests: About 48 forest patches, with 28 under official protection, as mini biodiversity pockets.
Unique Ecology: The Taita Hills forests harbor endemic species such as Streptocarpus teitensis (African violet), Taita thrush, Taita apalis, and endangered amphibians.
Agriculture, Settlement, and Land Tenure
Only 14% of land supports agriculture or settlement—highlighting challenges faced by residents concerning arable land access.
Land Tenure Issues: Persistent disputes and insecurity in land ownership have driven calls for improved tenure clarity and land-use planning.
Institutional Reforms and Investment
New Registries: Land registries in Taveta and Voi are being established to enhance access to title deeds and resolve documentation bottlenecks.
Industrialization Drive: Plans are afoot to set up an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Voi, leveraging local mineral resources to attract investors and create jobs.
Investor-Friendly Policies: The County rolled out an investment policy framework—including land banking and a sovereign fund—to streamline infrastructure development and attract private capital, especially in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
Conservation Meets Community
LUMO Conservancy: A prime example of community-led conservation, LUMO spans 48,000 acres near Mwatate and partners with Tsavo West to balance wildlife protection with community benefits via sustainable tourism.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1972 by Hilton International, this sanctuary sprawls over 28,000 acres, boasting over 50 large mammal species and 300 bird species.
Why Land in Taita Taveta Matters
Strategic Location: Positioned between Nairobi, Mombasa, and the Tanzanian border—not to mention the SGR corridor—making it ideal for trade and logistics.
Agricultural Potential: Diverse climates support various crops—from drought-resistant lowland staples to highland horticulture and cash crops like macadamia and sisal.
Untapped Opportunities: Land availability for investment, greenfield industrial development, and tourism presents notable opportunities.
Environmental Significance: With globally rare biodiversity and forest remnants, the county is both a conservation priority and a potential hub for eco-tourism.
Final Thoughts
Taita Taveta County offers a compelling blend of heritage, biodiversity, and economic opportunity. Whether you're interested in conservation, farming, real estate, or industrial development, this region holds promise. The recent strides in land governance and policy underline its readiness for renewed investment and sustainable growth.
