Collective Awakening for Coastal Prosperity

By Dimka Matano

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Yesterday marked a defining moment for the people of the Coast region. The Coast People Forum (CPF) held a productive and forward-looking engagement with the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Capt. William Ruto, at Kilindini Harbor. Our discussions revolved around a transformative vision anchored on an All Sector Approach (ASA) — a holistic framework that seeks to unlock the immense economic potential of the Coast region by fostering synergy between government agencies, local communities, and private stakeholders. This conversation was not just about development; it was about awakening the region’s latent promise and aligning it with national growth priorities.

Our dialogue with Capt. Ruto centered on six critical areas: the blue economy, agriculture, digitalization of water services, science and technology through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), governance, and environmentally sustainable initiatives that involve local communities, especially within the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. What emerged from this engagement was a strong sense of shared commitment. KPA, through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Program, expressed readiness to partner with CPF to drive initiatives that directly empower coastal residents and ensure that development is both inclusive and sustainable.

The blue economy, a central pillar of our discussions, remains the Coast’s most underexploited treasure. Despite our rich marine resources, the region continues to experience limited benefit due to inadequate investment in equipment, infrastructure, and training. In a separate and enlightening meeting with Madam Betty Makena, the Regional Coordinator of the International Transport Federation (ITF), we delved deeper into this issue. Her concerns were candid and deeply resonant: our fishermen lack access to proper deep-sea fishing facilities and certified training institutions. Currently, the only IMO-recognized facility in East Africa is located in Bagamoyo, Tanzania — a stark reminder of the infrastructural gaps that hinder Kenya’s maritime advancement.

We concurred that revitalizing this sector demands immediate attention. Establishing an accredited maritime training and equipment center in Mombasa or its environs would not only empower local fishers but also position Kenya as a regional hub for marine enterprise. Such a step would create jobs, boost food security, and enhance export earnings while promoting the sustainability of marine ecosystems. The blue economy is not merely about fishing; it is about building an integrated value chain — from training and safety to processing, storage, and market access.

Equally important to our conversation was the future of port operations and local participation. My meeting with Dock Workers Union (DWU) Secretary General Mr. Simon Sang touched on the controversial KPA policy seeking to privatize 100% of port stevedoring services. We examined what this shift could mean for coastal communities and the local workforce that has for generations relied on the port as a lifeline. While privatization may bring efficiency and modern management practices, it also raises legitimate concerns about inclusivity, job security, and equitable benefit-sharing. We agreed to convene again next month to dissect the policy more comprehensively and ensure that any transition safeguards the interests of the coastal people.

Beyond the port, our discussions on agriculture, digitalization of water services, and the role of science and technology revealed the interconnected nature of regional growth. Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods, yet climate change and limited access to technology have slowed productivity. Integrating digital tools and water management systems could transform small-scale farming and ensure reliable irrigation for arid coastal areas. Similarly, strengthening TVET institutions across the region would nurture a new generation of skilled youth — capable, innovative, and ready to participate in both local and global economies.

Governance, as we emphasized, must underpin all these efforts. Transparent and accountable systems are the foundation upon which public trust and sustainable development are built. CPF is committed to fostering open dialogue between citizens and institutions, ensuring that every coastal resident has a voice in shaping the region’s destiny. Equally, we underscored the importance of community engagement in all ecological and infrastructural initiatives, particularly those around the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. Development must not come at the expense of local communities or the environment; rather, it should uplift and include them.

Our meeting at Kilindini was more than an exchange of ideas — it was a call to collective action. The Coast region stands at a crossroads: we can either continue lamenting decades of underdevelopment, or we can embrace a shared responsibility to craft a new economic narrative. The All Sector Approach offers a roadmap for this transformation. It invites every stakeholder — from government agencies to civil society, from entrepreneurs to fishermen — to work hand in hand for the common good.

The partnership between KPA and CPF is a promising beginning. Yet, the journey ahead will require persistence, transparency, and unity of purpose. True development is not measured merely by infrastructure, but by how deeply it touches lives and builds local capacity. The Coast’s future lies in collaboration — in harnessing our natural wealth, empowering our people, and ensuring that prosperity flows to every household from Lamu to Vanga.

Yesterday’s engagement was a testament that when dialogue meets vision, progress follows. The tides of change have begun to turn, and together, we must ensure they carry every coastal citizen toward a horizon of shared growth and lasting dignity.

Dimka Matano, MCILT – Vice Chairperson, Coast People Forum (CPF) & Director, AquaBlue Development Foundation (ADF)