Taita Taveta County, located in the coastal region of Kenya, is administratively headed by Governor Andrew Mwadime. The county is strategically positioned, serving as a gateway between the coastal region and the rest of the country, and is known for its rich natural resources, tourism potential, and agricultural productivity.
The County Government of Taita Taveta, like other counties in Kenya, is managed by a team of County Executive Committee (CEC) members. These officials act as ministers for various portfolios and play a key role in implementing county policies and development projects in line with the devolved governance structure. This list provides an updated overview of the current ministers serving the county.
Full List of Taita Taveta County Government Ministers (CECs)
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| Water, Environment, Sanitation, Climate Change, and Natural Resources | Granton Samboja Mwandawiro |
| Public Works, Infrastructure, and Transport | Martin Tairo Maseghe |
| Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Irrigation | Eric Johnson Kyongo |
| Trade, Tourism, Cooperative Development, and Industrialization | Christine Mawondo Mwakera |
| Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, Mining, and Energy | Elizabeth Mkongo |
| Finance and Economic Planning | Danson Mzenge |
| Health Services | Gifton Mkaya |
| Devolution, Public Service, and Administration | Dr. Panuel Mwaeke |
| Youth, Sports, Gender, Culture, and Social Services | Shedrack Mutungi |
| Education, Libraries, and Vocational Training Colleges | Gloria Monikombo |
Key Roles of CEC Members in Taita Taveta County
The CEC members, or county ministers, serve as the key decision-makers in various sectors within the county government. They play a crucial role in:
- Policy Formulation and Implementation: Each CEC oversees their respective departments, driving county policies in line with the county’s integrated development plan.
- Service Delivery: They ensure the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public works, among others.
- Budgeting and Resource Allocation: CEC members are responsible for the management of county resources and ensure proper use of allocated funds for various sectors.
Sectoral Highlights from Taita Taveta’s Cabinet
- Water, Environment, Sanitation, Climate Change, and Natural Resources
Headed by Granton Samboja Mwandawiro, this ministry focuses on managing the county’s water resources, implementing environmental conservation efforts, and addressing climate change issues. The county’s vast natural resources, including its proximity to Tsavo National Park, require active management to ensure sustainable development. - Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Irrigation
With agriculture being one of the backbones of the county’s economy, Eric Johnson Kyongo oversees initiatives aimed at boosting food security, promoting modern farming techniques, and ensuring sustainable livestock and fisheries management. - Trade, Tourism, Cooperative Development, and Industrialization
Christine Mawondo Mwakera leads efforts to promote tourism, one of the key economic drivers in the county. Taita Taveta boasts numerous tourist attractions, including national parks and cultural heritage sites, making tourism development a key priority. - Health Services
Under the leadership of Gifton Mkaya, the county’s health sector focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems, expanding access to medical services, and ensuring that healthcare workers are well-equipped to serve the public. - Finance and Economic Planning
The ministry headed by Danson Mzenge plays a pivotal role in the county’s fiscal management, budget preparation, and the implementation of development projects. This ensures the prudent use of county resources to meet both short-term and long-term goals.
Salaries of County Ministers (CECs) in Kenya
The salaries of County Executive Committee (CEC) members are regulated by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). According to the latest SRC guidelines, CEC members in Kenya, including those in Taita Taveta County, receive a total monthly salary of Ksh 404,250. This includes various components as outlined below:
| Salary Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 242,550 |
| House Allowance | 45,000 |
| Market Adjustment | 81,700 |
| Total Per Month | 404,250 |
Taita Taveta County’s leadership, under Governor Andrew Mwadime, is geared towards driving sustainable development across various sectors. The county’s cabinet, composed of experienced and dedicated CEC members, ensures the smooth running of the county’s operations while focusing on delivering essential services and improving the quality of life for residents.
With a focus on key areas such as agriculture, tourism, water management, infrastructure, and health, Taita Taveta is well-positioned to leverage its natural resources and improve socio-economic outcomes for its residents.
