Author: Coast Times Digital

By Mwanaharusi Rashid In a milestone moment for environmental conservation efforts, Mikoko Pamoja, a community-led initiative is celebrating a decade of successful mangrove preservation in the Gasi area of Kwale County. Founded on the principles of sustainable development and community empowerment, Mikoko Pamoja has emerged as a beacon of hope for mangrove ecosystems, demonstrating the power of grassroots action in safeguarding biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts. Historically, communities adjacent to Gazi Bay, in Kwale County, relied heavily on the mangrove forests for timber, a practice that jeopardized this vital ecosystem. However, recognizing the unsustainability of such actions, they embarked…

By Reporter The Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has urged coastal youth to quit Muguka and shun drugs. Chidzuga said Muguka has turned energetic youth into zombies. She said the drug is draining the youth financially, especially boda boda operators, who are unable to save money because of the muguka. “The boda boda youth use the first few shillings to buy muguka and by the end are left with nothing,” she said. Chidzuga decried that the increased uptake of muguka and drugs among the coastal youth has reached a worrying trend and requires immediate intervention and cooperation to stem the…

By Primerose Omoto In a concerning trend, Kwale County has experienced a significant rise in vandalism incidents targeting the Kenya Power infrastructure. The repeated acts of vandalism have primarily affected transformers and power line cables, leading to widespread power supply disruptions and substantial financial losses for the utility provider. The surge in such criminal activities has prompted Kenya Power to join forces with security agencies and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to bolster surveillance measures and intensify crackdowns on the perpetrators. “These collaborative efforts aim to curb the vandalism that not only causes power outages but also poses serious safety…

Msambweni Community Development Agreement Committee was lauded for doing a lot in ensuring the public understands what they have been implementing since they took office in 2021. These came out after a presentation by Omar Fakii and immediate secretary to the committee during the Power of voices partnership project review forum organized by Transparency international. In his presentation Fakii showcased tens of development projects in Ramisi,Kinondo,Ukunda and Bongwe-Gombato wards for the last three years. Some of the projects are complete while others are ongoing. Fakii said that the Sh5 million loans project to locals failed since beneficiaries did not repay…

By Caroline Katana Historical land injustices in Kenya have remained a thorn in the flesh of many. Whenever Kenya goes to a general election every five years, historical land injustices have acted as a rallying cry for many politicians who use it to woo voters with the promise of returning the land or settling land concerns if one is elected. Several regimes that have ruled since independence have not been able to tackle this issue, as it is considered to be an emotive agenda. Many people have lost their lives, and others displaced from their respective lands, various attempts have…

By Primrose Omoto In a move that introduces a new era for Kenya’s energy sector, Kenya Power has introduced two groundbreaking tariffs aimed at revolutionizing how Kenyans consume electricity. The Time of Use (ToU) tariff and the e-mobility tariff are set to pave the way for a more sustainable and energy efficient future. The ToU tariff offers a 50% discount for electricity used during off-peak hours between 10 pm and 6 am on weekdays. Coast Regional Manager Eng. Phineas Marete explained, “The tariff is designed to encourage industries and commercial power users to shift their high-energy consumption to hours when…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. The government is actively addressing the surge in juvenile gang activities in Kwale County, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga. Chidzuga, following a security meeting held at Kwale Cultural Center with county security officials and area chiefs, emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and local authorities in combating the rising menace. The meeting was prompted by increasing incidents of violence perpetrated by juvenile gangs, causing concerns over the safety and security of residents. Chidzuga stressed the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the root causes of insecurity, calling on area…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. In an effort to address the pressing issue of climate change, Kenya Power Company is encouraging Kenyans to embrace electric-cooking as a sustainable alternative to traditional cooking methods. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal, the National electric utility company is promoting the widespread use of electric cooking technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the negative effects of deforestation and indoor air pollution. Speaking during a media engagement forum in Kwale Coast regional manager Eng. Phineas Marete expressed his desire to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of…

By ALLOYS MUSYOKA As the clock ticks towards mining closure by Base Titanium mining company in December 2024 at its Kwale mineral sand project mass exit of staff began in earnest. The company management says its staff are getting green pasture elsewhere in preparation of closing the project. The latest staff to exit was Media Liaison Coordinator Stanley Mwahanga who has served the company for more than five and half years resigned recently according to Ali Masemo the company’s government relation superintendent. His position was taken by Abdulkarim Kuchengwa who was serving as a social worker at Base Titanium. “You…

By Alloys Musyoka The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC, through its Lower Coast Regional office in Mombasa, has arrested a Kenya Power senior officer in Diani- Kwale County for demanding bribes. Evans Otieno Ochieng was arrested on alleged extortion charges according to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi while confirming the incident. It is alleged that the Kenya Power Kwale debt controller based in Ukunda office demanded a bribe of Kes. 100,000 and received an advance payment of Kes. 70,000 from the complainant in order to reconnect a disconnected power meter. Ngumbi said that the suspect was apprehended after the Commission received…