Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County government is looking forward to having the Child Protection, Gender and Social Inclusion policies ready by mid this year. Speaking during the review of the two policies, County Attorney Salim Gombeni said the county, in partnership with various stakeholders, has made great progress in actualizing the policies. Gombeni said the policies are crucial in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation since they provide a proper legal framework for key stakeholders to work on. “Last year, we passed the Kwale County SGBV Protection Act, and currently, we are preparing these policies to back its implementation,” he…

Police in Diani are investigating the mysterious death of a woman whose body was found floating in a pond in Mwadaifu, Mabokoni. The body, believed to be that of a 36 to 40-year-old woman, was discovered by schoolchildren who were bathing in the pond before heading to school. Authorities and the Red Cross officers responded to the scene to retrieve the body. Confirming the incident, Diani OCPD stated that the body has since been moved to Mombasa Referral Hospital mortuary for further autopsy.

By SHABAN OMAR  Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has issued a stern warning to local leaders against inciting youth to violence amid the growing threat of juvenile gangs in the region. She expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks linked to the notorious “Panga Boys” gang, which she believes are politically instigated. Achani accused certain politicians of fueling the vice by holding clandestine meetings with the juvenile gangs and inciting them under the pretext of addressing unemployment. She noted that instead of guiding the youth toward productive activities, the leaders are exploiting their frustrations for personal and political…

By Nuru Salim Kwale county governor Fatuma Achani has launched a solar-powered streetlight project in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-county. Speaking during the launch, Governor Achani announced that the project will see the installation of solar-powered streetlights along Carrefour – Jacaranda Road in Bongwe-Gombato Ward and the extension of lights along Tandoori – Baobab Beach Road in Ukunda Ward, within Diani Municipality. The initiative, which involves erecting 65 poles at a cost of over KSh 9 million is expected to improve road safety, promote business operations, and uplift the living standards of residents. “This project is for the people of Kwale. We must ensure that our…

By Antony Zoka Leaders in Ruruma, Kilifi County raise alarm over increased vandalism of water infrastructure as Kibao Kiche -Masaani water pipeline takes shape. Addressing residents at Masaani village, during the launch of Masaani – Kibao kiche water project, Jimba Sub location assistant Chief, Isaac Mkando warned that stern action will be taken to whoever will be found guilty of damaging public properties. “As residents we need to work together in providing security to safeguard all the efforts being done to ensure the people of Jimba and Ruruma at large have access to clean water.” Said Mkando. According to the…

BY SHABAN OMAR Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, a regional economic bloc, has been urged to spearhead efforts aimed at revitalizing coconut farming and the coconut industry to unlock the region’s economic potential. Matuga Headquarters Kalro Industrial Crop Research Director, Finyange Pole said there is an urgent need for intervention, citing declining production and a lack of knowledge as major deterrents to investment in the sector. Pole said that the coastal region, once a hub for coconut farming, has seen a significant drop in both production and productivity due to outdated farming methods, limited research, and poor resource allocation. According…

BY SHABAN OMAR  A coastal-based NGO, Human Development Agenda (HUDA), in collaboration with local communities and youth in Kwale County, has initiated a peace dialogue program aimed at countering violent extremism and addressing juvenile gang activities in the region. The initiative, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the USAID Sauti Yangu, Amani Yangu program, seeks to strengthen community-driven resilience against violent extremism in targeted areas. The project also aims to establish an inclusive, responsive, and self-sustaining system to prevent and counter violent extremism in Kenya. HUDA Program Officer Kashi Jermaine said focusing on community-driven approaches, the initiative…

By Nuru Salim Diani Beach was the epicenter of a thrilling view as it hosted the Kenya Kite Cup Competition at the Nomad Hotel. The event, organised and sponsored by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) drew elite kite surfers from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, Tanzania, and Kenyan surfers. In partnership with Diani Turtle Watch, the competition focused on protecting three threatened turtle species, the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and olive ridley turtle, all listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Fundraising efforts included sponsorships, raffle sales, and direct donations with all proceeds dedicated to…

By Nuru Salim Parents in Kwale County have expressed outrage over the recent decision by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, to halt county governments from issuing bursaries to secondary and university students. The move has sparked protests in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-county, with parents demanding the reinstatement of the program, which they say has been a lifeline for thousands of struggling families. Saumu Amani, a widow with three children, two in tertiary institutions and one in a national secondary school shared her frustration. “I am a widow, unemployed, and the sole provider for my three children.” ”This bursary program…

By Nuru Salim People living with disabilities (PWDs) in Kwale County have been urged to step forward and register in initiatives designed to enhance their access to essential social and government services so as to promote their recognition in society. This call to action was emphasized during a registration exercise held in Kidimu, Lungalunga Sub-County, where over 300 PWDs successfully registered. The event, organized by the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), aimed to provide official certification to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to access critical services…