Author: Coast Times Digital

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…

Primerose Omoto  Kilifi County Government has successfully established 24 procurement entities to bolster transparency and efficiency in its operations. The area Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the creation of the procurement entities marks a major milestone in the county’s efforts to streamline procurement processes and ensure that all financial activities are conducted with the highest standards of accountability. He said each entity is designed to handle specific procurement needs, thereby decentralizing the process. “The primary objectivesl is to enhance transparency by decentralizing procurement, making the process more transparent and allowing for better oversight to reduce the risk of corruption,” he said.…

BY SHABAN OMAR More than 100 fisherfolk and sunflower farmers from Pongwe-Kikoneni in Kwale County are set to improve their productivity following the distribution of essential tools and seeds by the county government. The initiative aims to enhance food security and economic empowerment within the region, providing much-needed support to the two vital sectors. The fisherfolk, a group comprising both men and women, received an array of fishing gear designed to improve their efficiency and capacity. Among the items distributed were fishing nets, 20-litre cooler boxes, fish finders, fish display boxes, flippers, masks, and snorkel sets. The gear will be…

BY SHABAN OMAR The Kwale Mining Alliance, in collaboration with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, has commenced a two-day policy conversation on fiscal management and mineral royalties forum at the Diani Reef Hotel in Msambweni, Kwale County. The forum brings together mining stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, local leaders, and National Government representatives, with the goal of enhancing understanding of the mining industry, its challenges, and the processes related to the disbursement of mineral royalties. The discussions are intended to foster transparency, reflect on the impact of mining projects, examine the governing mineral laws, and advocate for the timely…