Author: Coast Times Digital

By Caroline Katana Over four thousand residents from six villages in Lunga Lunga and Kinango constituencies in Kwale County have received relief food distributed by the Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya (FPFK). The food donation program that benefited three villages from each constituency was funded by FPFK’s development partner children’s Mission Sweden. This is due to the prolonged drought experienced in the areas. Speaking to journalists after a food distribution exercise at Gambani, Bang’a and Kasageni villages in the Kinango constituency, FACADA project coordinator Emmanuel Kahaso said a total of 72 bags of maize and 35 bags of beans will…

Johnson Chengo The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has challenged learning institutions and students to embrace their mother tongue languages, faulting any child who doesn’t understand concepts in local languages might find it hard to understand them in other languages. Speaking at Pwani University, Coast regional Director for UNESCO Julius Mwahunga said that indigenous languages help students to understand the beauty of their tradition and cultural heritage. ”Schoolers need to learn and speak their local languages and this is one of the key fundamental aspects UNESCO is trying to achieve. I want to tell you that any…

By Flora Awinja At the heart of Diani, a popular Kenyan-based world destination in Kwale county, is a plastic sculpture of a big sea wave purely made from plastic bottles. The sculpture adds beauty to the already well-decorated Diani town and steals the attention of many residents and visitors visiting Diani after a long time. The sculpture which is set to be a landmark is being hailed as a new artistic expression in the region. The sheer amount of work and clockwork precision that went into its construction is mindboggling. The structure has taken a place of pride as the…

By Johnson ChengoK Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has kicked out the Malindi Municipal Board with immediate effect after an outcry from the residents over uncollected garbages in the tourist town of Malindi and Watamu. Addressing journalists at his residence in Kilifi, Mung’aro said the uncollected garbage that has lasted for more than three months has raised concerns, with residents complaining of the emergence of communicable diseases. “I have ordered the departmental head concerned to pitch camp in Malindi and Watamu until the matter is solved. This is one of the core promises I made during my campaign to my people,”…

By Flora Awinja Faith Kavutha, a Mitumba trader in Diani, Kwale county is still counting losses following the demolition of her locally made business stall. The demolitions were conducted last week by the Kwale county government as part of the efforts to reclaim the encroached road reserve and bring traders under one market at the newly constructed Diani market in Mvindeni. The exercise affected traders operating in Ukunda and Ibiza along the Mombasa-Lunga-Lunga highway. Kavutha was caught and aware and the events of the dreadful morning keep flashing back in her mind. As usual, Kavutha would wake up early and…

By Johnson Chengo The Methodist church of Kenya coast region conference, now wants the Commission of Inquiry formed by President William Ruto to probe the Shakahola tragedy to fast-track its investigation so that justice can prevail. This come barely a few days after Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance party leader Raila Odinga threatened to move to court to challenge the President’s decision adding that it’s unconstitutional. Addressing journalists at the church premises in Kilifi Town, Methodist Church of Kenya Coast region presiding Bishop Charles Makonde said that the government has all the machinery it needs to reach places where…

By REPORTER Coastal Tourism stakeholders have petitioned the national government to allow back direct flights of Turkish airlines to Mombasa as a way of boosting tourism. Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers coast region executive Sam Ikwaye said some of the restrictions imposed on some airlines are hurting the tourism economy on the coast. According to them the government stopped the direct flights of Turkish Airlines to Mombasa in 2020 due to Covid-19 and has since then affected the tourism sector. Turkish Airlines has long held the prestigious title of flying to more countries than any other airline. Ikwaye said…

By Reporter Governor Fatuma Achani has urged the youth to make good use of their acquired skills to secure jobs and improve lives. Achani said the youth are in an advantageous position if they continue practising their job skills even after graduation instead of sitting idle. Her statement follows the rising number of youth in the region who graduate from various technical courses but decide to put certificates under their pillow beds complaining of a lack of job opportunities. Achani advised the youth to move out of their comfort zones to make a change in life adding that the future…

By Caroline Katana With her shy demeanour and disarming smile, Hawaa Abdul Salim is the type of person you will likely never see angry no matter the circumstances. We spoke about her dream to become a politician in 2017 in the Ukunda ward in Kwale County. The mother of two recounted how tribalism and failure to offer her body shuttered her dream during party nomination. As we progressed with the conversation a more sombre and reflective tone took over every step back into the past with deep-seated anger in the now serious-looking Hawaa. “At that time I did not think…

Diani walkers in partnership with different stakeholders in Kwale County planted seedlings after a 12-kilometre walk within Ukunda in Msambweni constituency. Diani Walker is a group of passionate individuals who are keeping fit through walking and having fun dubbed A Step 4 One health. In their weekly keeping fit walk, they started walking from Mvindeni with the over 150 walkers snaked through Ibiza, Bongwe administration offices, Shamu primary school and back to Mvindeni a total of 12 kilometres. The tenth walk dubbed the Mazingira edition saw passionate walkers planting over 100 trees at the Mvindeni opportunity centre ground after Msambweni…