Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale branch Kuppet Secretary Edward Oronje has decried a shortage of JSS teachers. He reported that 40 percent of JSS schools in Kwale are managed by just one teacher, which significantly strains the learning process. Oronje said the situation forces the sole teacher to cover all subjects, thereby increasing their workload and impacting the quality of education. “We have more than 40 percent of schools in Kwale that are faced with a severe shortage of teachers,” he said. Oronje stated that the current situation is undermining the quality of education, as teachers are forced to cover subjects…

By Alloys Musyoka Four fishermen escaped death by a whisker when a boat they were using capsized at Mwaepe beach in Diani-Kwale One body was retrieved with whereabout of the sixth person remaining unknown as divers continue searching for him along the beach dead or alive. The five were using a long line fishing boat from Mombasa when the incident occurred on Tuesday early morning according to reports from beach management units in Kwale. Kwale county Beach Management Unit network member Saidi Mwaito confirmed the incident saying efforts are being made to search for the sixth fisherman. “They do fishing…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has intensified her demand for the national government to release Kshs. 1.2 billion in royalties accrued from the mining activities of Base Titanium over the past decade. The royalties, she emphasized, are long overdue and vital for the development and well-being of the Kwale community. Speaking during the opening ceremony of Miguneni Nursery School in Kasemeni Ward, Kinango, Governor Achani expressed her frustration with the national government’s delay in disbursing these funds, which are intended to benefit the residents of Kwale County. The governor’s remarks reflect the growing discontent among local leaders…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. Stakeholders of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kwale County have joined secondary school teachers in nationwide protests, expressing their growing frustration with the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The teachers, led by the KUPPET Kwale branch, have been demanding that their fundamental grievances be addressed, accusing the TSC of oppressing them with unfulfilled promises that have severely impacted their professional duties and well-being. The teachers in Kwale County yesterday united in peaceful demonstrations, echoing the sentiments of their colleagues across the country. These protests are part of an ongoing strike…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani called on the national government and other key stakeholders involved in the construction of the Mwache Dam, to implement the project fairly under the original proposals. She made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Miguneni ECDE center in Kasemeni Ward, Kinango, where she expressed concern over what she perceives as discrepancies in the execution of the project, which is set to play a crucial role in addressing water shortages in the county. Governor Achani voiced her concerns that certain aspects of the Mwache Dam project, as initially proposed by residents, are…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of National treasury, has announced a renewed commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of money laundering within its borders. This move comes after the country was identified as one of those lagging behind in investigating and prosecuting individuals suspected of being involved in such illegal activities. The government’s resolve was underscored during a recent high-level conference focused on combating money laundering across Eastern and Southern Africa, which is taking place in Diani, Kwale County. Speaking at the launch of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) conference, Dr. Chris…

By Alloys Musyoka Kwale county governor Fatuma Achani has weighed in to the issue of Base Titanium royalties delay by the national government. She joined the Kwale county residents and civil society calls demanding payment of royalties from Base Titanium proceeds paid to the national government amounting to billions of shillings. Base Titanium started mining and exporting minerals in 2013 before the enactment of mining act 2016 that ensures as a mining company submit 70 per cent for the national government, 20 per cent to the county government and 10 per cent to communities of mineral benefits. Achani says that…

By Agnetta Okwemba Chama cha Uzalendo acting party leader Richard Onsongo has dismissed claims of conflict of interest against two Kwale county senior officials. Onsongo said that those peddling conflict of interest claims against finance chief officer Alex Onduko and gender, youth and Culture executive committee member Francisca Kilonzo are busy bodies. The rumors and alleged propaganda has resulted into the questioning of Kwale county’s integrity and administrative system. Addressing Coast Times Digital in his office, Onsongo said that there has not been a single substantiated claim that can hold water apart from rumor mongers with hidden agenda. “We have…

By Agnetta Okwemba Government of Kenya is set to begin the allocation of Kshs 1.4 billion to compensate 1,648 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Additionally, 400 acres of land have been allocated for the resettlement of the affected persons. This is according to cabinet secretary for investment, Trade and Industry  Salim Mvurya. Mvurya said that he has also directed SEZA to gazette the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia (LAPSSET) SEZ. “Already, investors in the Desalination, Fish Processing, and pharmaceutical sectors have expressed interest in the area,” he added. He urge investors to tow the line…

By Alloys Musyoka Kwale county government has been urged to seal all loopholes for the Own Source Revenue collections which has continued to fluctuate over the years. In the first nine months of financial year 2022/23, the County received Kshs.4.75 billion as the equitable share of the revenue raised nationally, raised Kshs.272.09 million as own-source revenue and had a cash balance of Kshs.1.30 billion from Financial year 2021/22. The total funds available for budget implementation during the period amounted to Kshs.6.32 billion, according to Kwale County, Revenue Performance in the First Nine Months of for the financial year 2022/23. In…