Author: Coast Times Digital

BY PRIMEROSE OMOTO AND FLORA AWINJA Traders lined along the Ukunda highway in Kwale County are busy doing their businesses but anxious about their safety. Cases of robbery with violence within Diani are on the rise with juvenile gangs targetting unsuspecting residents, tourists and residential areas. The hardworking men and women have been running into machete-wielding gangs who rob and assault them. Coast Times Digital has visited some of the victims who have been robbed off their money and mobile phones and suffer knives and panga-inflicted wounds. Mzee Jumapili Mohammed sadly narrates his encounter with the gang. “I was walking…

By Johnson Chengo The County government of Kilifi has been challenged to established youth centers of motivation at the village levels to address cases of mental health problems among the youth. Speaking in Kilifi Town, Kilifi County Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organizing Chairlady Witness Tsuma, said there is need to open youth friendly centers across the County, adding that mental health problems is an area of massive concern across the Country and Kilifi County is no exception. “I believe the setting up of such platforms in the village levels will help to address the challenges affecting our youths and promote a…

Diani Beach, located on the stunning 17km stretch of Coastline in Kwale County, Kenya, has once again been recognized as an integral part of the country’s tourism industry. This year, it won the prestigious World Travel Awards for the eighth time, solidifying its reputation as one of the top beach destinations in the world. Diani Beach, known for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets, beat out tough competition from other popular beach destinations in Africa. The award not only highlights the natural beauty of Diani Beach but also recognizes the efforts made by the local government…

By Lawrence Sita. Kwale County, Kenya – After years of anticipation, the long-awaited gender-based bill has finally been passed by the Kwale County Assembly. This historic achievement makes Kwale the fourth county in the country to pass such legislation, following in the footsteps of Nairobi, Vihiga, and Kisumu. The bill, which was first introduced in 2016 during the first devolution circle, faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Despite its initial failure to pass in the 2017-2022 cycle, the bill gained momentum and was successfully supported by the majority of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) during a session chaired by Honorable…

A coastal-based youth affairs organization Samba Sports Youth Agenda has partnered with the Australian Mining firm Base Titanium to train, nurture talent and support income-generating activities through sports in Kwale County. The project is being implemented under the SHIFT program which intends to actively engage youth and drive them away from crime, drug abuse, teen pregnancies and other social vices. Previously, the region recorded a spate of insecurity cases where youth hunted one another disrupting peace and tranquillity. Speaking during the graduation of 25 youth from Waa trained as referees, Samba Sports Youth Agenda CEO Mohammed Mwachausa said the initiative…

Kwale residents have been urged to go for regular eye check-ups for better eyesight. According to Kwale Eye Center Administrator Verena Ndunda, many eye diseases could be prevented if early and appropriate diagnosis is administered. Ndunda said embracing routine checkups will curb many growing visual problems affecting people in the county. She said an eye problem can affect people of all ages and advised that both children and adults should go for eye checkups for a healthy lifestyle. “The eye problems have no specific age limit,” she said. Ndunda said 90 out of 140 surgeries conducted in the facility yearly…

By Johnson Chengo The National government has proposed the construction of a Mega dam at Kaliang’ombe Village in Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County as one the long-term measures put in place to address water shortage in the area. Speaking during a site visit accompanied by engineers from Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), Rabai Member of Parliament Kenga Mupe, said the Mega project dubbed Rabai Dam will identify other small water reservoirs to be constructed so as to provide a permanent solution to the problem. He said if the dam will be built, it will restore enough water for the residents,…

By Primerose Omoto The appointment of former cabinet minister Ali Chirau Mwakwere as the Digo community spokesperson has elicited sharp criticism from various political leaders in Kwale County. Mwakwere was appointed by a section of Kaya Elders, clergy, and professionals from the county in September as the sole spokesperson of the community to spearhead the community’s interest locally and nationally. Former Msambweni member of parliament Marere wa Mwachai was named as Mwakwere’s deputy as professor Hassan Mwakimako took the secretary role. However, the line-up has not gone down well with a section of leaders led by Kwale County Senator Issa…

By Caroline katana  A Non-governmental health project USAID Stawisha Pwani is calling upon county leadership in the coastal region to embrace best practices for fighting new HIV infections in the area. According to the report released by the National Syendemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) formerly NACC, 10 counties of Nairobi, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kisii and Uasin Gishu, in that order, accounted for 57% of all new HIV infections recorded in 2021. Speaking to journalists in Diani, Kwale County after best health intervention practices presentations by health workers, Stawisha Pwani project director Doctor Patrick Oyaro said the…

By Flora Wainja Beach operators in the coastal region have been challenged to protect the beaches which are their critical areas for their daily bread. Issues of insecurity have in the recent past been a thorn in the flesh for those planning to visit the beaches, with operators along the sea line being challenged to protect their business place from criminals. Coastal regional Commander Tourist police unit Dorcas Makau said that operators working along the beach have a responsibility to ensure the area is secure from insecurity and cases of immoralities as the country heads to festivities. She spoke during…