Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged member states of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) to harness advanced technology and make substantial investments to combat money laundering and terrorism. Mbadi said terrorism has disrupted the global order and threatened peaceful coexistence in the ESAAMLG region. He said terrorist financing poses a significant challenge due to its complex methods, diverse channels, and sophisticated mobilization mechanisms. Mbadi said along with other emerging threats, terrorism has contributed to a situation he termed a “perfect banality of evil. The CS said by harnessing advanced…

By Agnetta Okwemba School-going children in Lamu county is composed more of girls than boys with a Foundational Literacy, Numeracy and Assessment report done by Usawa Agenda organization revealing challenges facing education in the coastal region. In Lamu for example, according to the Uwezo Youth group from official Faraj Mohammed boys are majorly focused in Ocean activities instead of education. The 2023 Usawa Agenda assessment report through data collection was done by various organizations in all 47 counties of Kenya covering villages, households, children and schools. The report indicates that Lamu has a percentage of 7.3 children out of school,…

By Agnetta Okwemba and Primerose Omoto Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury John Mbadi officially handed over the presidency of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) to Teklewold Atenafu, the Finance Affairs Advisory Minister to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Mbadi emphasized on the importance of regional cooperation in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. He said that under Kenya’s leadership, ESAAMLG saw increased efforts to strengthen financial systems and enhance compliance with international standards. “Our collective was marked by significant milestones, including Uganda’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) gray list, a testament…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale County KUPPET teachers have called for the immediate closure of schools amid the heightened nationwide teachers strike. The county Kuppet Executive Secretary Leornard Oronje said they have written to the Coast Regional Education Director to have the schools closed for lacking meaningful learning activities. “Your office is aware that there is a nationwide strike which was called by KUPPET teachers, and that the strike in now on second week. Our members have totally withdrawn labor and are not in learning institutions and the learners are very idle,” said Oronje in a letter. Oronje further noted that…

By Agnetta Okwemba Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) took to the streets ignoring a court order that termed their strike illegal. Kwale ĶUPPET Executive Secretary Leonard Oronje said that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has paid salaries but not union dues adding that their grievances have not been acted upon. Oronje stated that there is a shortage of about 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.  He demanded for their employment as well as promotion of the 1,030 teachers who were interviewed. “The 22 billion meant for medical scheme has been reduced to 11 billion putting the teachers’…

BY SHABAN OMAR Kwale Kuppet teachers have issued a stern warning to school administrators and educators who are covertly attending classes despite the ongoing nationwide strike. The teachers argue that such actions are demoralising and represent hypocrisy and betrayal. Kwale Kuppet Treasurer Umi Maloba stated that it is unjust for teachers to be on the streets advocating for better conditions while others continue teaching, undermining the purpose of the strike. Maloba condemned the behaviour as unacceptable and threatened to take action by storming schools to forcibly prevent teachers from continuing teaching. “Principals and Deputy principals be warned. The habit of…

By Mwanaharusi Rashid. Kwale County Government has announced the suspension of the construction of new health centers to channel resources towards improving the existing ones. Governor Fatuma Achani, who made the announcement, said the move is aimed at elevating the standards of healthcare services across the county, ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical care. The decision marks a turning point in the county’s approach to healthcare infrastructure. Since the establishment of devolved governments in Kenya, Kwale County has made notable strides in expanding its healthcare network. The number of health centers in the county has grown from…

By Alloys Musyoka The Government of Kenya is strengthening its partnership with Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to establish an enabling environment for businesses and investments at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Salim Mvurya, announced that the Japanese Government is committed to increasing investments in the internal infrastructure, specifically water and road networks, around the SEZ. “The compensation element had stalled the implementation of several components at the SEZ, but we have resolved that,” said CS Mvurya. He said that two Japanese investors in the automobile sector and…

By Agnetta Okwemba The government will spend Sh495 million for construction of the Kabati (Mitubili-Gatanga) Export Processing Zone in Murang’a county. Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya said that the 500 acres’ piece of land will generate investment opportunities across various sectors including agro-processing and pharmaceuticals. “The first phase of construction is projected to be completed by November this year,” he said while laying the foundation of the project. He first phase of the project Mvurya said is projected to be complete by November 2024. Through backward linkage, Mvurya noted that local farmers producing Macadamia, Avocado amongst…

By Primerose Omoto Kenya hosted the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAM) plenary marking 25 years of dedication in regional and global efforts to combating financial crimes and enhance security The group has been actively working with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to address strategic deficiencies to counter money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. The Principal Secretary of the National Treasury & Economic Planning, Dr. Chris Kiptoo emphasized the importance of the task force’s work and the progress it has made over the years. “From small beginnings, the number of experts and the secretariat has quadrupled…