Author: Coast Times Digital

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…

By Agnetta Okwemba Ukrain is set to celebrate its independence day today with the event being marked in Kwale county by nationals living in the country in a special ceremony. The country celebrates the day every 24th of August yearly, from 1991. The Verkhvona Rada of the Ukrainian SSR declared the country’s independence, receiving support from 90% of Ukrainians during a referendum on December 1, 1991. This signaled the end to Soviet control but created a foundation to the development of a democratic and modern state. The ongoing challenges due to the Russian invasion into Ukraine since 22nd February 2022 has demonstrated…

By Agnetta Okwemba The tourism sector of Kenya has been affected due to the Russia-Ukraine war with the Coast region that has been receiving visitors from Ukraine getting none since the war began. “We used to receive about 200 tourists from Ukraine every 10 days but this has stopped due to the war,” said Leopard Beach Resort manager and Kenya Coast Tourism Association chair Kioko Musyoki. He said that there is a need for all stakeholders to intervene and ensure the Ukraine-Russia war is brought to an end. “This war has a lot of effect on the tourism sector and…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza has vehemently denied accusations that he is involved in covering up for the five nominated MCAs who were alleged to have been dismissed by the court. Kamanza has also refuted claims that he is causing disunity among MCAs and that he is behind the incompetency within the assembly and violating the court directives. For the past few months, Kamanza has been a man on the siege following a series of contentious issues in Kwale. These include concerns over poor health service delivery and ongoing corruption cases concerning some of the…

BY SHABAN OMAR Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome has advocated for the adoption of technology to improve efficiency in the legal system. Koome said that as the law and legal practices continue to evolve, there is a need for innovative approaches that align with societal needs and technological advancements. The Lady Justice of the Supreme Court said that it is certain technology will keep to shape the practice of law in Kenya and beyond. “Let’s embrace the transformative potential of technology not as a threat to our judicial system, but as a tool to enhance our ability to deliver…

By Alloys Musyoka Beth Linet has been left hopeless and broken after her lover Derick Gathengi who had gone out to swim in a rough waters drowned. A heartbreaking video has emerged in the social media of her struggling to hold herself back from jumping into the water while her lover’s body floated from a distance. This took place while her friends tried to prevent her from jumping into the ocean to try and save his lifeless Derick Gathengi body. In her Tiktok account while mourning Beth says she will be going back home alone unfortunately despite travelling to Diani…