Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR Youth in Kwale County have been encouraged to take advantage of government empowerment programs and job opportunities to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to regional development. Speaking at an empowerment forum in Mwereni, Lunga-Lunga Youth Community-Based Organization (CBO) Director Ibrahim Shaban said that various government initiatives are available to help young people achieve economic independence and reduce dependency. He urged the youth to actively seek information about the programs and apply for opportunities that align with their skills and interests. “There are numerous opportunities that young people can leverage to transform their lives,” he said. Shaban added…

BY SHABAN OMAR More than 200 families under the Mkupuo Network Awareness from Nikaphu village, living in Ramisi Phase I Block 5056 in Kwale County, are demanding the national government release their Ksh 170 million compensation. According to the residents, the Environment and Land Court had directed the government to compensate and relocate genuine squatters to pave the way for a sugarcane plantation. The government had earlier leased 42,000 acres of land to the Kwale International Sugar Company, now known as Ramisi Sugar Company, for commercial-scale sugarcane farming. The resettlement of squatters was planned in three phases: Kwale/Ramisi Phase I,…

By Alloys Musyoka The Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya), in collaboration with URAIA Trust and with financial support from the Royal Danish Embassy, has launched the ground-breaking report titled “Rubber Meets the Road: An Assessment on the Impact of Anti-Corruption Laws and Institutions in Kenya.” The report presents a comprehensive evaluation of Kenya’s anti-corruption framework, highlighting critical gaps in legislation, institutional capacity, and enforcement mechanisms. Although Kenya has a robust legal framework-including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act, the Anti-Bribery Act, and the Leadership and Integrity Act-the report finds that corruption remains deep-rooted. Among the challenges identified that require urgent focus in…

By Nuru Salim. Leaders in Likoni have vowed to step up the fight against insecurity and unemployment, unveiling bold strategies to strengthen law enforcement and empower the youth. With rising concerns over crime and joblessness, they have pledged to fast-track the construction of new police stations, enhance community policing, and invest in self-employment programs aimed at steering young people away from crime and into sustainable livelihoods. Speaking during the 2nd Edition Musabaqa Quran competition event at Shelly Beach, Mohammed Salim Nyembwe, the office manager to Likoni MP Mishi Juma Mboko, commended residents for maintaining peace during the holy month of…

By Nuru Salim. Security agencies in Diani have been directed to take immediate action against criminal gangs terrorizing residents and businesses in the region. Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has called for urgent enforcement measures to curb the growing insecurity, warning that perpetrators will face the full force of the law. This is however the daily chorus that security officials have continued to sing day in day out with locals continuing to suffer in the hands of juvenile gangs. Speaking during a high-level security meeting in Diani, Nuno emphasized that authorities have engaged with youth in the area for…

By Anthony Zoka Kaliangombe residents in Rabai, Kilifi County, have raised alarm over the increased mining activities in the area without following the legal guidelines by investors. Led by Tsimba Mkamba Benyoka they claim mining activities in the area endanger their lives and properties through the use of explosives. Benyoka noted that some are forced to abandon their homes due to damaged walls with efforts to compensate the affected individuals proving to be a hard nut to crack. “Efforts to have the investors in the area address our plea through the committees that are entitled to act as bridge between…

BY SHABAN OMAR  More than 30 youth in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale County, have undergone financial and business management training aimed at empowering them with entrepreneurial skills and economic opportunities. The initiative, spearheaded by the Lunga-Lunga Youth Community-Based Organization (CBO), seeks to equip jobless youth with the necessary skills to start and manage businesses while creating linkages to financial support.  The program aims to curb unemployment and address various social vices associated with economic hardship. Lunga-Lunga Youth CBO Director Ibrahim Shaban said the training covers key aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, financial literacy, and loan accessibility. He said that lack of…

By Anthony Zoka A sign of relief to Isaack Nyondo Primary school in Rabai Kilifi County, as Simba Cement Company commenced drilling of a bore hole to address water shortage among learners and community around. Speaking during the official commissioning of the drilling process, the school principal, Josephine Njagi, admitted going through challenges among them lack of adequate water in the institution. “Our school population currently stands at 1143 pupils among them 44 in the special units, and I believe with this project it will be a relief to us. We believe once this project is completed, we will not…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County youth activists have raised concerns over the increasing number of schoolgirls dropping out of school due to pregnancy, blaming parents for failing to support their daughters’ education. Amina Mwabanda, an officer from the Children Empowerment and Development Community-Based Organization (CBO), said many parents treat their pregnant daughters as a disgrace, often disowning them and denying them the right to education. “Instead of supporting the girls, parents force them into teen marriages or keep them at home to help fend for their families,” she said. The young activist said the vice robs the girls of their…

By Beja Chris A devastating house fire in the Tukutane area of Kwale County has left a mother and her child in critical condition. The incident has shaken the local community with residents rallying to assist emergency responders. Reports indicate that the fire originated from a charcoal stove within the family’s residence although police are yet to complete their investigation. The rapid spread of the flames quickly engulfed the structure, trapping the woman and her child inside. “It was a scene of chaos. The smoke was thick, and people were screaming. We did everything we could to help,” recounted Omari…