Is the Coast Sleeping Through the Current Political Re-Alignments

Prof. Hamadi Boga

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

For many years, the Coast has spoken passionately about marginalization, land, devolution, youth unemployment, and our place in Kenya. We have formed movements, forums, and regional initiatives. Some achieved important milestones, others faded as their champions m oved on. Yet one question remains unanswered: What is the unifying political and economic philosophy that should guide the Coast over the next generation? We have six county governments, but do we have one shared vision for the Coast? As we approach 2027, are we once again choosing leaders before agreeing on where we want them to lead us?

I believe this is the conversation we owe ourselves. Not another political party or pressure group, but an honest dialogue among the people of the Coast—our youth, women, elders, professionals, business people, farmers, fishermen, religious leaders, and diaspora. What should the Coast stand for over the next twenty years? What should be our non-negotiable priorities regardless of who forms government?

As we reflect on the gathering political tides, I propose that we move beyond informal debate and begin a structured Coast-wide dialogue process—a series of county and cross-county forums that bring together youth representatives, women’s groups, elders’ councils, professional associations, business chambers, fisherfolk cooperatives, farming communities, faith leaders, and diaspora voices in a deliberate and continuous conversation. This should not be a one-off meeting or symbolic gathering, but a sustained process that documents our shared priorities, identifies areas of consensus, and builds a common Coastal agenda that can outlive electoral cycles.

Before 2027 defines us, let us define what 2027 should mean for the Coast—together, deliberately, and in a structured way that ensures every voice is heard and every community is represented.