The vast coal reserves in Kitui County, estimated to be worth over Ksh. 4 trillion, have the potential to transform the region into an economic powerhouse akin to Dubai. However, the failure to harness this resource has led to growing frustration among the local population, who see immense wealth slipping through their fingers.
Kenya currently imports coal worth Ksh. 1 billion daily, translating to Ksh. 30 billion monthly and a staggering Ksh. 360 billion annually. This reliance on imports is seen as a significant missed opportunity, particularly when Kitui’s coal reserves could not only satisfy domestic demand but also position Kenya as a key player in the regional coal market.
Experts estimate that if Kitui’s coal were tapped to meet the nation’s coal needs, the county could generate Ksh. 108 billion annually. Of this, Ksh. 36 billion could be allocated to the county government, while the remaining Ksh. 72 billion would directly benefit the local community as compensation.
“This is not just about coal; it’s about the future of Kitui,” said a local resident. “We have the resources to change our lives, but our leaders are too focused on short-term gains, keeping us in poverty.”
The potential economic impact of coal extraction in Kitui is immense. The influx of billions of shillings could improve infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce poverty in a county that has long been marginalized. However, the lack of political will and persistent bureaucratic hurdles continue to stymie progress.
Local leaders have been accused of prioritizing their political survival over the long-term development of Kitui. Critics argue that by keeping the population impoverished, these leaders maintain control, exploiting the vulnerability of the people for political gain.
“The leadership in Kitui is failing its people,” said an economist familiar with the region’s potential. “Instead of leveraging the coal reserves to lift the county out of poverty, they are focused on maintaining the status quo.”
As the debate over coal extraction in Kitui continues, the people of the county are left wondering how much longer they must wait for their leaders to act in their best interest. The question remains: Will Kitui’s coal reserves unlock prosperity, or will they remain an untapped treasure in a land of missed opportunities?
