MERU, Kenya, Sep 14 – The Government has discovered coal and iron deposits in the semi arid Tharaka-Nithi County.
Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said his ministry was keen to move in and start exploiting the natural resource to help alleviate poverty among the residents and boost the country’s income.
He said the coal deposits were large enough to run steel mills.
“Tharaka-Nithi County is set to become one of the richest. We have discovered huge iron ores and coal deposits and steel mills will be set up there,” said the South Imenti MP.
He said the sustainability of the Meru and Tharaka-Nithi Counties would heavily depend on establishment of industries to boost employment opportunities.
Speaking in Nkubu town, Mr Murungi said the presence of arable land under coffee, tea and other horticultural products made the region to have an edge over other parts of the country.
He also challenged area residents to take advantage of the sprawling Meru National Park to set up hotels and tour agencies.
“Let us focus on education of our young people and encourage them to study foreign languages like French, German and Spanish. This way they will be tour guides for tourists visiting the Meru National Park,” said Mr Murungi.
He said once mines were set up, the proceeds will greatly benefit the residents and boost the area economy.
