Author: Coast Times Digital

By Reporter The forced changes in mandatory deduction of Housing Levy, Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and National Social Security Fund (NSSF), have affected the operations of Saccos, stakeholders have revealed. Tabasamu Sacco Board chairperson Felister Mutisya said the increased deductions have interfered with members’ contributions and loan repayment since their salaries are chocked. Mutisya said the situation has resulted in loan repayment defaults and the inability of members to grow their savings thus jeopardizing the future of Saccos. “The introduction of mandatory housing levy, enhanced NHIF, NSSF deductions and deteriorating Kenyan shilling have seen our members’ income being affected…

By Reporter The Ethics and Anti-corruption commission on Monday arrested five family members including the Kwale county head of Treasury Vincent Mbito over graft cases amounting to Sh44.9 million. Mbito was arrested alongside his brothers Mongo Mbito Mongo-county revenue officer, Hassan Shilingi Mbito-Kwale water and sewerage limited company driver, Mwaiwe Mongo Mbito- County procurement officer and Chindoro Mongo Mbito- ministry of health department of public health and professional standards. They are suspected to have participated in perpetuating the Sh44.9 million graft with some of the suspects being directors and owners of the family company involved. Information from the EACC indicates…

By Reporter The national chairperson of the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council (Kemnac) Sheikh Juma Ngao, has declared interest in Kwale County ODM party elections, scheduled for April. Ngao wants to unseat former Matuga MP Hassan Mwanyoha from the chairperson position. Ngao, who hails from Kinango county, but has spent most of his time in Mombasa, said he also understands Kwale politics. In an interview in Ukunda, Ngao said working outside his home county doesn’t make him a stranger and will always be a Kwale citizen. “My entire family comes from Kinango, I am also a Kwale voter and working…

By Correspondent Kilifi County Government through the Department of Agriculture and Crops has encouraged farmers to venture into agribusiness as a way to generate income and better their living standards. Speaking during farmers’ field day in Kaloleni, Kilifi Agriculture and Crops Chief Officer Teddy Yawa stated that the department want farmers to understand the opportunities that farming provides for one to earn a decent living. “Farming can be both a direct and indirect source of income. Direct through selling of farm produce in the market and indirectly when the farm produce is used as raw products in industries that have…

By Reporter A German non-profit organization Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) in partnership with Sauti Ya Wanawake, a coastal-based women’s affairs NGO have organized a two-day forum to reflect on the achievement of a Connect A Girl project in Kwale County. The conference was held at Diani Reef Hotel in Ukunda bringing together various stakeholders to appreciate the impact of the project on the lives of girls and the entire community as the program comes to an end. Connect A Girl project was launched in 2022 targeting to promote sexual and reproductive health, address gender-based violence and support women and girls…

By Mildred Kelly & Salim Abdallah The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) will conduct a compliance audit in Kwale County to ascertain if all the County Government initiatives are benefiting locals. This is after the commission chair led a team in a closed door meeting with Governor Fatuma Achani on various issues affecting the region. Some of the issues include killings of elderly people in some parts of LungaLunga and Kinango over land disputes while disguised as witchcraft cases. Closure of Base Titanium mining company, plans by Bamburi cement putting up a factory in Matuga , issues of…

By Morris Mwaringa Residents in Kilifi County have called on the national government to include terminal diseases and polygamy families in the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) which is set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). During a public participation meant to collect views on the new proposed health insurance program, the residents said (SHIF) should expand the number of beneficiaries and allow polygamous families to benefit from the fund. Led by Juma Mbarak, the residents said it is very difficult for them to receive treatment in hospitals because the NHIF insurance only covers one wife, forcing them to…

In an exciting football match held at the Kwale Stadium, Bandari Youth FC emerged victorious after an intimidating win of 2-0 goals against Kwale United FC. The match was officiated by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, who was accompanied by her deputy governor, Josphat Chirema Kombo among other officials. The governor, known for her commitment to the development of sports in the county, has been at the forefront of ensuring that sports grow and thrive in Kwale. As part of this commitment, she has invested in the construction of the Kwale Stadium through the Department of Social Services and Talent management.…

By Reporter Tough political battle is expected as United Democratic Movement party appoints former Kwale sports Executive Ramadhan Masudi Bungale as the party national secretary general. The party said the move is to strengthen the party in Kwale and the entire coastal region and to gain popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Bungale, the appointment will set the pace for awareness and massive party recruitment for a major political battle. “The 2027 general elections will be a through pass because by then we would have recruited everyone into the party and secured all the political seats,” he…

By Morris Mwaringa In a recent gathering of youth leaders in Kilifi County, the air was charged with enthusiasm and determination as they convened to discuss pressing issues affecting their community. The meeting, hosted by the deputy county governor, her Excellence Florence Mbetsa Chibule in her office, delved into the pivotal role of youths in driving various aspects of societal progress, ranging from environmental conservation to fostering inter-religious dialogue and harnessing the potential of the blue economy. ”During our discussion we focused on creating collaborative partnerships to support youth involvement in environmental management and the blue economy sector,” the deputy…