President William Ruto has today officially commissioned the long-awaited Voi Gemstone Value Addition Centre in Voi, Taita Taveta County, marking a game-changing milestone for the region.

This gem of a facility, constructed between 2015 and 2017 but left dormant until now, is set to revitalize Kenya’s economy. With its doors finally open, it promises to unlock a lot of opportunities for the residents of Taita Taveta and Voi Town.

The Gemstone Centre comes as a savior to over 1,500 small-scale miners who have been grappling with a lack of a reliable market, leading to exploitation by middlemen. This means the locals can now secure fair prices for their precious gems, including Tsavorite, ruby, tourmaline, garnets, and Tanzanite, among others.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. The Centre’s value addition policy will significantly boost the mineral processing industry, creating job opportunities and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. By increasing the performance of this sector, it is poised to become a driving force in the Country’s economy.

This remarkable feat would not have been possible without President Ruto’s unwavering commitment. His dedication to making this facility fully operational is commendable, as it is not only a testament to progress but also a promise of a brighter future for the people of Taita Taveta County.