Mombasa: The Coast Development Authority (CDA) has called on state corporations, private entities, and community groups to adopt the ‘coastal agenda’ and leverage the region’s abundant natural resources. The announcement was made as CDA showcased its flagship development projects at the ASK Show in Mombasa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Board Chairman Mzee Mwinyi emphasized the authority’s commitment to enhancing livelihoods across the six coastal counties by utilizing each area’s specific economic strengths. Mwinyi highlighted opportunities in Kwale for rice farming, livestock, and citrus production, while Mombasa offers tourism prospects and potential for value-addition factories. He further noted Kilifi’s promise in animal farming and mineral exploration, Tana River’s focus on livestock, and Lamu’s potential in the blue economy sector.
Mwinyi encouraged state agencies and private firms to integrate the coastal agenda into their strategic plans. He disclosed that CDA’s largest development partner outside the national government is an Italian agency, which has facilitated the building of schools and healthcare facilities in Kilifi County and is currently working on an 11.2-kilometer road project.
Highlighting aquaculture and mariculture as key opportunities, Mwinyi referenced the World Bank-funded Kenya Marine and Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) programme, which invested nearly Sh10 billion in the region starting in 2017. He announced a new initiative worth Sh32 billion focused on aquaculture projects and urged community groups to invest in fisheries ventures to access these funds.
CDA Acting Managing Director Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera noted that the authority, operating under the Ministry of East Africa, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, is showcasing projects related to drought mitigation, water security, and social development at the ASK Show. She highlighted the Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme, which includes the construction of classrooms, laboratories, and healthcare facilities in Kilifi County.
Additionally, the authority is working on the 12-kilometer Mjanaheri-Ngomeni Road to improve access to government services. Bendera also mentioned CDA’s collaboration with youth and women’s groups, such as Generation Kenya and Riki Bags, to provide training and promote sustainable enterprises.
