The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the buzz of excitement as Java House, Kenya’s beloved coffeehouse chain, opened its latest branch in Voi on Wednesday.
The new outlet, strategically located at Caltex in Voi town, marks the seventh Java House Express branch in the coastal region, showcasing the company’s ambitious expansion beyond Nairobi.
Priscilla Gathungu, Java House’s CEO, led the inauguration ceremony with zeal and gratitude towards the local community and leaders. “We believe in these communities, we believe in the people of the coastal region, and we’re so happy to be in Taita Taveta,” she said, emphasizing Java House’s commitment to community integration and economic stimulation.
Central to Java House’s strategy is its dedication to local sourcing and employment. Gathungu highlighted that over 95% of Java House’s products are grown and purchased locally, a practice she said, will continue in Taita Taveta.
“We aim to employ the children, the sons and daughters of this region, and buy our products locally because when you belong to a community, you serve that community and you’re responsible for that community,” she affirmed.
This initiative is poised to revive local agriculture, providing a steady market for vegetables, broiler chickens, dairy milk, and eggs among other agricultural products, thereby spurring socio-economic growth in the county.
The opening aligns seamlessly with President William Ruto’s vision for self-employment among youths and the utilization of local resources to drive economic progress.
Celebrating 25 years in business, Java House is on track to open its 100th store, with new locations planned in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, a growth that reflects Java House’s mission to export Kenyan culture and products beyond national borders.
The event was graced by Taita Taveta County Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, who lauded Java House’s investment. She highlighted the significant impact this venture would have upon expansion in the county on alleviation unemployment, particularly among graduates.
We have been appealing for investors to come to Taita Taveta. Having Java House open an outlet in Voi creates jobs and builds skills for our young people
Kilalo noted
Recognizing the potential for further expansion, she urged Java House to prioritize employing locals, fostering a sense of community ownership and ensuring sustainable business growth.
Kilalo also pointed to Voi’s strategic location near major highways and the forthcoming Ikanga airport, positioning it as a prime area for business development. The county’s plans to collaborate with Java House to expand into other areas like Mwatate, Wundanyi, and Taveta promise to further enhance economic opportunities across the region.
Getrude Shuwe, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism, echoed these sentiments. She remarked on Voi’s transformation over the past five years and the rise of a middle-class population with growing purchasing power.
The number of middle class here has increased. So people have that purchasing power. Like you said, beyond economic growth, education will also grow because we have hospitality colleges like the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, Taita Taveta University and the KMTC. It’s a good initiative because the students there can get even opportunity for attachment and internship in this particular opening
said Shuwe
Apart from that, the tread, it’s going to have a triple effect because apart from just this one, chicken from the locals will be supplied here, vegetables among other things used here that are locally available hence benefitting the locals economically
She Added
Java House’s Voi outlet is also strategically poised to attract tourists from Tsavo National Park and travelers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), further boosting local commerce.
Shuwe called on more investors to recognize Taita Taveta’s potential, highlighting the county’s peaceful environment, available land, and supportive policies under Governor Andrew Mwadime’s administration.
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