Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR In recent years, the state of education in several Kwale schools has seen steady improvement, marked by significant transformations that have reshaped the academic landscape into a more hopeful and promising one. A major driver behind this positive change has been Base Titanium, an Australian mining company operating in the region. Acknowledging the pivotal role education plays in fostering community development, Base Titanium has made substantial investments in constructing modern classrooms in various schools across Kwale. These upgraded facilities have not only created a more conducive learning environment for students but have also ignited a sense of…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County mining stakeholders have raised concerns about the prolonged delay in the disbursement of mining royalties to counties. Base Titanium, largest sand harvesting mineral in the country and other mineral companies have been paying royalties to the national government since 2016 worth over sh2.9 billion. At least 32 counties are yet to receive their mineral royalties where Kwale County expects to get around sh1.2 billion, Kilifi sh350 million and Kajiado sh660 million and many others. Speaking during a Policy Conservation on Fiscal Management of Revenue and Actualization of mineral Royalties Forum at Diani Reef Hotel, Kenya…

Primerose Omoto  Kilifi County Government has successfully established 24 procurement entities to bolster transparency and efficiency in its operations. The area Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the creation of the procurement entities marks a major milestone in the county’s efforts to streamline procurement processes and ensure that all financial activities are conducted with the highest standards of accountability. He said each entity is designed to handle specific procurement needs, thereby decentralizing the process. “The primary objectivesl is to enhance transparency by decentralizing procurement, making the process more transparent and allowing for better oversight to reduce the risk of corruption,” he said.…

BY SHABAN OMAR More than 100 fisherfolk and sunflower farmers from Pongwe-Kikoneni in Kwale County are set to improve their productivity following the distribution of essential tools and seeds by the county government. The initiative aims to enhance food security and economic empowerment within the region, providing much-needed support to the two vital sectors. The fisherfolk, a group comprising both men and women, received an array of fishing gear designed to improve their efficiency and capacity. Among the items distributed were fishing nets, 20-litre cooler boxes, fish finders, fish display boxes, flippers, masks, and snorkel sets. The gear will be…

BY SHABAN OMAR The Kwale Mining Alliance, in collaboration with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, has commenced a two-day policy conversation on fiscal management and mineral royalties forum at the Diani Reef Hotel in Msambweni, Kwale County. The forum brings together mining stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, local leaders, and National Government representatives, with the goal of enhancing understanding of the mining industry, its challenges, and the processes related to the disbursement of mineral royalties. The discussions are intended to foster transparency, reflect on the impact of mining projects, examine the governing mineral laws, and advocate for the timely…

BY SHABAN OMAR In Kwale County, where tradition and societal expectations often shape the roles of women, a group of girls and young women defy the odds to chase their passion for football. Amid a backdrop of conservative norms that view the sport as a male domain, they stand tall, determined to break barriers and redefine what women can achieve. Their journey is not just a personal triumph, but a bold statement to the community, that talent, drive, and ambition know no gender. Against the resistance of social norms and cultural expectations, the young women fight for their place on…

By Alloys Musyoka The Car & General Trading Limited has introduced Piaggio electric three-wheelers at the Kenyan Coastal tourist destination of Diani in Kwale. The vehicles come with low maintenance costs, one-year warranty, advanced technology and a long range at 120 kilometers on a full charge. The electric three wheelers will maximize the earnings of owners ensuring optimum value for customers through better range, grade ability and load-carrying capacity, as well as providing a competitive total cost of ownership. Operating the Piaggio electric three wheeler will save up to KSh 26,000 per month on fuel and service. Tourism stakeholders have…

By Agnetta Okwemba Mombasa County hosted an Entrepreneurship Conference that is focused on helping students turn their innovative ideas into viable business ventures. The ABE Global club is an initiative by an educational organization based in the UK, Association of Business Executives that aims to develop skills in areas of entrepreneurship, innovation and business management. During their pilot programme in Mombasa county, they were able to reach 3 schools. Among the schools is Sheikh Khalifa whose initiative on turning waste into wealth won a voucher and a trophy. Ashak Momhammed, a form three student at Sheikh Khalifah had a project…

By Anthony Mwachiro School principals have been urged to scale up their communication channels in school to curb cases of strikes among students resulting in burning of school properties. According to Kilifi County deputy county commissioner in charge of Rabai sub county, Joseph Lengario, despite challenges that might emerge in schools, how they are addressed will determine the reaction of learners. Speaking to Principals and BoM representatives of Rabai Secondary Schools, Lengario urged school managers to involve all stakeholders in addressing challenges for smooth learning programs in schools. “Leadership is something that we are learning everyday hence there is a…

BY SHABAN OMAR  The International Justice Mission has called for a stronger collaboration between journalists and police officers to better protect the rights of women and children. IJM officer Naomi Maina expressed concern over the numerous gender-based violence (GBV) cases that fail to progress due to a lack of substantial evidence. She emphasized the critical role that both the media and law enforcement can play in ensuring justice is served to victims of such heinous crimes. Maina pointed out that many GBV cases are either dismissed or fail to reach the courts because the evidence collected is often insufficient. The…