The government’s decision to waive import duties for Narendra Raval’s Ksh 11 billion steel plant in Taita-Taveta has brought intense criticism, with many seeing it as a symbol of crony capitalism.
Raval, who leads the Devki Group, has long been accused of exploiting his close ties to political leaders to secure favorable treatment for his businesses.
While officials highlight job creation and industrial growth, critics argue this waiver is yet another example of how Kenya favors billionaires at the expense of taxpayers.
Devki Group has already faced accusations of monopolizing the steel and cement industries, leading to suppressed competition and inflated prices.
This duty waiver, estimated to save the company hundreds of millions of shillings, comes at a time when ordinary Kenyans face heavy taxation, including a burdensome VAT on fuel.
The land acquisition for the plant has further tarnished Raval’s reputation.
Devki reportedly secured over 200 hectares in Taita-Taveta from the Mbulia community, but there are concerns about whether local residents were adequately consulted or compensated.
This follows a pattern of resource exploitation, where corporations extract wealth from communities but leave them with environmental damage and limited benefits.
Critics point to Devki’s history of questionable practices, including labor disputes and environmental violations, as evidence of the company’s disregard for local welfare.
Raval’s public praise of President William Ruto, including a controversial call to extend his term limits, has added to suspicions of favoritism.
Such remarks, coupled with Raval’s massive political connections, suggest that his business empire thrives on political patronage rather than fair competition.
This cozy relationship raises questions about the integrity of Kenya’s policies on industrial development and whether they truly serve the public interest.
Environmentalists have also raised alarm about the potential destruction caused by the plant.
Mining operations often lead to deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity, yet the government has shared little about how these issues will be mitigated.
This lack of transparency fuels fears that the project will leave the region worse off.
Raval’s growing influence in Kenya’s economy and politics has drawn criticism from activists who view him as a symbol of inequality and corporate greed.
With this latest deal, many believe the government is prioritizing the interests of a billionaire over the needs of struggling Kenyans.
