Political stability key to unlocking investment, Taita Taveta leaders said

Leaders in Taita Taveta County have linked political stability within the County to the region’s ability to attract investment, warning that prolonged leadership disputes undermine investor confidence, delay development projects and weaken local economic growth.

The calls came during a prayer breakfast held at the County Assembly in Wundanyi to mark the official opening of the fifth session of the Third County Assembly, following the return of Speaker Wisdom Kazungu Mwamburi after a long period of legal uncertainty.

Although the Speaker’s reinstatement followed a High Court ruling that overturned his impeachment, leaders framed the moment as a reset for the county’s governance environment which they said is necessary for restoring predictability in policy-making and service delivery that are critical to attracting investors and development partners.

Speaking at the event, Mwamburi said the court decision should be viewed not as a personal win but as an institutional milestone that restores stability in the Assembly and allows leaders to refocus on economic priorities.

“The outcome of the case is not a victory for one individual. It is a victory for this institution and for constitutional order,” he said, adding that the period of uncertainty had tested the Assembly but also offered lessons on resilience and responsibility.

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He noted that the legal dispute had disrupted normal Assembly operations, diverting attention from legislation and oversight roles that directly affect development planning, infrastructure projects and service delivery.

“We may have stood on different sides, but that chapter is now closed. What matters is how we work together going forward to serve our people,” Mwamburi said.

With less than a year to the next general election, Mwamburi said residents were increasingly demanding tangible outcomes rather than political drama, urging Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to prioritize economic growth, accountability and efficient use of public resources.

“The people of Taita Taveta want serious work spanning from legislation, oversight, representation and development that improves their lives. That is where our focus must be,” he said.

Wundanyi Member of Parliament Danson Mwashako said persistent disputes in county governments often create uncertainty that discourages investment, particularly in regions that rely on public-private partnerships and donor-funded projects.

“Development cannot thrive where institutions are constantly in conflict. Oversight is important, but it should not degenerate into paralysis. Counties must create an environment where businesses, contractors and investors feel confident to engage,” Mwashako said.

He added that frequent confrontations between county assemblies and executives slow decision-making and delay the implementation of development projects, ultimately affecting economic growth and employment.

“Oversight is not wrong, but it should not turn into constant confrontation. Accountability must be exercised responsibly and without personal vendettas,” Mwashako said

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Clerk of the County Assembly Gadiel Maganga described Mwamburi’s reinstatement as an opportunity to restore stability and confidence within the institution. He said the Assembly Secretariat would remain neutral and professional to ensure smooth operations regardless of political developments.

“The Speaker’s return gives us a chance to rebuild cooperation and strengthen our collective purpose as one Assembly,” Maganga said.

He called on MCAs to observe orderly debate, respect institutional processes and engage constructively with the county executive for the benefit of residents.

Former Taita Taveta Governor and current Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) chairperson Eng. John Mruttu urged leaders to measure their success by real improvements in people’s lives rather than political wins.

Mruttu warned that internal divisions within the Assembly often create anxiety among citizens and erode public confidence in leadership.

“When leaders fight, wananchi suffer. Disagreement is normal, but maturity in dialogue is not optional, it is a requirement of leadership,” he said.

He encouraged the Assembly to focus on policies that harness the county’s economic strengths, including livestock farming, ranching and mineral resources, while addressing long-standing challenges such as unresolved land succession disputes that slow development and strain families.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo also appealed for cooperation between the Assembly and the county executive, saying both institutions have a shared responsibility to deliver services.

“Each arm of government has its mandate, but our common goal is service to the people,” Kilalo said, urging MCAs to set aside personal interests and prioritize good governance, accountability and development.

The prayer breakfast, held under a theme of renewal and reflection, brought together political, administrative and religious leaders who expressed optimism that the end of the legal dispute would allow the Assembly to refocus on its legislative, oversight and representative roles.

As Taita Taveta positions itself for economic growth ahead of the next election cycle, leaders said sustained political stability will be critical in rebuilding investor confidence, accelerating development projects and ensuring that governance supports, rather than hindering, the county’s economic ambitions.

By Michael Oduor

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