Author: Coast Times Digital

By Flora Awinja The Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) is seeking to partner with Kwale bar and restaurant owners’ association in Kwale County. The partnership will involve loan and credit facilities to the operators. According to the KCB’s Ukunda branch management, this will enhance and strengthen their customer relations in a bid to improve their offers and services. The manager in charge of online banking Mwanahamisi Hussein said the institution is working on ensuring that the operators get new swiping machines and an online till system that will enable them to acquire loans. She added that the bank is willing to…

By Johnson Chengo The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a major blow after a high court nullified the election of Harrison Kombe as Member of Parliament for Magarini Constituency. The Malindi high court nullified his election sitting some irregularities. Justice Alfred Mabeya on Friday 3rd March ruled that Kombe who emerged winner in last year’s August election on an ODM ticket engage in ballot stuffing and altering of election results. The court ruled that a by- election should be conducted. Kombe defeated Stanley Kenga of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party by only 21 votes. He got 11,946 votes…

The new investment opportunities in Lamu County include the construction of a cashew nut processing factory. Governor Issa Timamy, during his campaign promised to open investment opportunities to investors, a promise that he has upheld. The plans for the construction of the new cashew nut factory were discussed in a meeting where the governor hosted Equatorial Nut processors and SUED investors when they paid him a courtesy call in his office to discuss how they would collaborate towards ensuring the processing plant works seamlessly and revives the abeyant crop in Lamu. “We are currently in the final stages of setting…

Kwale governor Fatuma Achani has emphasized various contractors in the region to consider delivering quality work and up to the county standards. Achani said substandard work would be unacceptable adding that the county has heavily invested in them and taxpayers’ money must be accountable. She warned that any contractor who produces shoddy work risks being terminated and blacklisted from doing any county undertakings. “There is no bargain to quality work, you must do what it takes to meet our expectations,” she said. Since Achani took an oath of office last year, she has been rushing to complete and commission new…

By HELLEN AWINO With its white and soft sands, Diani beach in Kwale County has been a tourism hub for many years. Many who visit the place to rejuvenate may not know that one of the oldest Mosques in East Africa is on the shores of the most voted beach destination in the world. Kongo Mosque, built in the 14th Century, still stands strong on the beach front adjacent to beautiful scenery where river Mwachema meets the Indian Ocean. Persian Arabs merchants from Turkey were on their normal tour of business in Africa cruising the Indian Ocean when they docked at…

By FLORA AWINJA Fishing is one of the economic mainstays that of the coast region residents depend on. Residents in the region who engage in the business as fishermen and fish mongers have been receiving civic education on how to plan their families. This is in a bid to enable them to fend for smaller family units from the income generated by the business which earns them little income. At the Kilifi Central fish landing site, we find Elina Tatu and her colleague fish mongers preparing some fish they have just got from the fishermen ready to take to the…

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has threatened to withdraw scholarships to students who will fail to get quality grades. The governor has already started issuance of scholarships to all continuing students. He said his administration is aiming at supporting needy but bright students to pursue their secondary school education. The governor has issued cheques worth Ksh. 4.9 million to Lamu Girls Secondary School which will cater for over 200 continuing students that are already enrolled under the scholarship program. Timamy has further reiterated his commitment to improving the standards of education in Lamu and congratulated the outstanding students under the scholarship…

It might take a while for Shimba Hills and many other Kwale residents affected by human-wildlife conflicts to find peace. However, the good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. A hope that they have been eagerly waiting for the past years. This follows the announcement by the Kenya Wildlife Services to bring to an end the long-suffering of the Kwale people who have suffered at the hands of the rogue animals. The locals have been watching helplessly as the uninvited baboons, elephants and monkeys cause massive damage to their crops and property. The residents…

The German Embassy representative to Kenya Ralf Pfitzmeir has lauded Lamu county government for its effort in reviving the tourism sector in the area. “At the backdrop of Covid19 global effects and travel advisories to Lamu, Governor Timamy has demonstrated his commitment towards supporting Lamu’s resilient but fragile industry. My visit to Lamu is an affirmation that we are committed towards making Lamu the most preferred tourism destination for our nationals,” stated Mr. Pfitzmeir. Pfitzmeir made the remarks while paying a courtesy call to Lamu Governor Issa Timamy where they discussed issues around how Lamu could provide a safe environment…

By Johnson Chengo Kilifi county government will ensure that 30 per cent Access to government procurement opportunities are taken by women, youths and people with disability. Governor Gideon Mung’aro said that his administration is focused on making the dream a reality to the residents. He said that his administration will work under the Access to Government procurement opportunities program to ensure all tenders meant for the youths, women and disabled groups are beneficial to them. “I desire to see 30 per cent of Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) go to Women, Youth and People with Disabilities (PWDs,” he added.…