Author: Coast Times Digital

BY SHABAN OMAR Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, a regional economic bloc, has been urged to spearhead efforts aimed at revitalizing coconut farming and the coconut industry to unlock the region’s economic potential. Matuga Headquarters Kalro Industrial Crop Research Director, Finyange Pole said there is an urgent need for intervention, citing declining production and a lack of knowledge as major deterrents to investment in the sector. Pole said that the coastal region, once a hub for coconut farming, has seen a significant drop in both production and productivity due to outdated farming methods, limited research, and poor resource allocation. According…

BY SHABAN OMAR  A coastal-based NGO, Human Development Agenda (HUDA), in collaboration with local communities and youth in Kwale County, has initiated a peace dialogue program aimed at countering violent extremism and addressing juvenile gang activities in the region. The initiative, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the USAID Sauti Yangu, Amani Yangu program, seeks to strengthen community-driven resilience against violent extremism in targeted areas. The project also aims to establish an inclusive, responsive, and self-sustaining system to prevent and counter violent extremism in Kenya. HUDA Program Officer Kashi Jermaine said focusing on community-driven approaches, the initiative…

By Nuru Salim Diani Beach was the epicenter of a thrilling view as it hosted the Kenya Kite Cup Competition at the Nomad Hotel. The event, organised and sponsored by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) drew elite kite surfers from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, Tanzania, and Kenyan surfers. In partnership with Diani Turtle Watch, the competition focused on protecting three threatened turtle species, the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and olive ridley turtle, all listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Fundraising efforts included sponsorships, raffle sales, and direct donations with all proceeds dedicated to…

By Nuru Salim Parents in Kwale County have expressed outrage over the recent decision by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, to halt county governments from issuing bursaries to secondary and university students. The move has sparked protests in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-county, with parents demanding the reinstatement of the program, which they say has been a lifeline for thousands of struggling families. Saumu Amani, a widow with three children, two in tertiary institutions and one in a national secondary school shared her frustration. “I am a widow, unemployed, and the sole provider for my three children.” ”This bursary program…

By Nuru Salim People living with disabilities (PWDs) in Kwale County have been urged to step forward and register in initiatives designed to enhance their access to essential social and government services so as to promote their recognition in society. This call to action was emphasized during a registration exercise held in Kidimu, Lungalunga Sub-County, where over 300 PWDs successfully registered. The event, organized by the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), aimed to provide official certification to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to access critical services…

By Reporter Campaigns to educate residents on assisting snake bite victims get better treatment to prevent deaths in Kilifi County has kicked off. Kilifi hospital’s medical superintendent Dr. Matano Kibwana advised residents to always rush victims to the nearest medical facilities before the snake venom gets severe. The calls come days after a 14 year old boy from Palakumi village in Ganze Sub County was bitten by a snake but those around him delayed to rush him to hospital hence occasioning a swollen leg. Harrison Kahindi was herding her family cattle together with his elder brother when he felt some…

By reporter Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has strongly  criticized the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o for denying Counties to issue  bursaries to needy students in the Country.  Achani’s sentiments comes at a time when the controller of budget issued a circular to stop counties to allocate funds for the secondary and university bursary programmes. Kwale County is among Counties affected by the decision of the Controller Of Budget to stop allocation of funds meant for bursaries. The Elimu ni Sasa program that started way back in 2013 has Sponsored over 8,842 secondary school students , 6,447 from university and…

BY SHABAN OMAR The Kwale County Government, in partnership with Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW) and other stakeholders, is developing Child Protection and Gender and Social Inclusion policies to enhance the protection of rights and promote equity. The policies aim to safeguard the welfare of children under 18 years while ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are empowered and provided with equal opportunities in socio-economic spaces. According to Chakaya Ronald, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for Kwale County, the proposed policies will focus on addressing issues such as gender-based violence, child abuse, and discrimination against…

BY SHABAN OMAR Melyne Achieng’ might not be the best student in the region but her tremendous performance in the 2024 KCSE examination is worth to be celebrated. The 19-year-old defied odds to score an impressive A- (76 points) at Matuga Girls National School in Kwale County. Acheng’s educational journey was far from smooth, marred by persistent financial struggles that often left her sent home due to unpaid school fees, disrupting her academic progress. She spent more time at home than in school due to her financial struggles. Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges, Achieng’, displayed remarkable resilience and determination, achieving…

BY NURU SALIM The escalating insecurity caused by juvenile gangs in Ukunda, Kwale County, is wreaking havoc on the local economy, particularly within the hospitality and brewery industries. Richard Onsongo, Chair of the Kwale Bar Owners Association, has raised the alarm over the mounting threats posed by the notorious “Panga Boys” gang. Speaking to Coast Times at a local pub in Ukunda, Onsongo detailed the devastating impact these gangs have had on businesses and the community. “At least one person is attacked every day, especially while heading home from work,” Onsongo stated solidly. “Our customers are now afraid to spend…