Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR  Youth in Mombasa and Kwale counties have turned to football as a tool to promote tolerance, peace, and combat drug abuse, amid rising drug use and criminal activity in the regions. Through the peace initiative Kujenga Amani, funded by the European Union, the youth have taken up the mantle of peace ambassadors, fostering peaceful coexistence by engaging in soccer. Mohammed Mwachausa, CEO of Samba Sports Youth Agenda, said that the project involves 3,000 young people both male and female from areas such as Maskani, which are often identified as hotspots for insecurity. He said the project aims…

By Agnetta Okwemba A sharp division has emerged among Kwale residents following the arrest of 26 juvenile gangs in Diani who are believed to be part of a criminal group that continues to terrorize locals. A sting crackdown by police in Diani-Kwale county have managed to net 26 juvenile gang suspects between the age of 14-21 who have been terrorizing locals and traders in the area. The man hunts for the “panga boys” who were posing insecurity threats in Diani kicked off on Tuesday night in the areas of Corner Musa, Ibiza, Kibundani, Bongwe, Millennium, Kiwanja ya Jogoo, Darad, Blue…

BY SHABAN OMAR  Kwale County is set to partner with the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) to position the region as a leading hub for tourism and investment. The initiative is part of the county’s efforts to enhance its appeal and attract investors, fostering economic development and creating job opportunities for the local population. Governor Fatuma Achani affirmed her administration’s dedication to working with key stakeholders to raise Kwale’s profile as a premier destination for tourism and investment, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents. “The county government is fully committed…

BY SHABAN OMAR                        It’s harvest season once again, and farmers in Nyalani, Kinango, Kwale County, are enjoying the fruits of their labour with abundance on their tables. The sight of plump, ripe tomatoes, bursting with colour, is not only a visual delight but also a symbol of hope and prosperity. After months of hard work and careful cultivation and improved farming techniques have set the stage for an abundant yield. The area, known for frequent drought, has seen farmers embrace new irrigation systems and better crop management practices, significantly…

By Agnetta Okwemba Poor road network in Shimba Hills sub-county has caused huge losses to residents who depend on selling farm produce to Kongowea and Diani. The locals have raised concerns over the failure by the national highway authority since independence to start the tarmacking of Mwabungo-Shimba Hills-TM road which is very critical for transportation. They want president William Ruto to consider the road as he plans to address Mashujaa day in Kwale next month on 20th. The road is under Kenya National highway authority. Speaking to Coast Times Digital the residents said that more than 70km from Mwabungo is…

By Reporter Security officers from the Lamu East constituency villages of Ndau, Mkokoni, and Kiunga have been criticized for aggressive behavior and excessive use of force during arrests, raising concerns about their understanding of human rights. Area residents have accused the officers of harassment and claim they are unfairly targeted as terror suspects following local attacks, deepening the rift between residents and law enforcement. This has led to continued tensions between the community and security forces that have failed to aid in fully improving security in the area, with local leaders and residents pointing to the lack of training on…

BY SHABAN OMAR  Kwale Mining Alliance, in partnership with the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Kwale County Assembly, is set to petition the Senate and Parliament for the release of mineral royalties worth Ksh 2.9 billion. This move follows concerns raised by mining stakeholders over delays in disbursement, despite assurances from the national government. The petition, expected to be ready in two months, will push for the release of royalties due to at least 32 counties, including Ksh 1.2 billion for Kwale County, Ksh 350 million for Kilifi, and Ksh 660 million for Kajiado. Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth…

BY SHABAN OMAR  Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Kamanza has announced that President William Ruto is set to launch the new multimillion-shilling Kwale County Assembly building officially. The president is expected to arrive early to inaugurate several key projects before leading the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 at Kwale Stadium in Kinarini, Matuga sub-county. “The president will first open the county assembly building in October, followed by the national event the next day,” said Kamanza. The County Assembly Speaker described the facility’s opening as a milestone achievement and an honour to have the President officiate its inauguration in the…

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…