Kwale: Environmental defenders, civil society organizations, community leaders, and government officials in Kwale County have called for greater transparency in mining activities, enhanced environmental protection, and stronger safeguards for environmental defenders.
According to Kenya News Agency, the calls were made during a county forum held on World Environment Day under the Haki Ni Yetu initiative, supported by Finland’s Kios Foundation. Participants expressed concern that climate change and extractive activities could worsen environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities in coastal communities if not properly regulated.
InformAction Executive Director, Winnie Masai, highlighted that communities in Kwale and Kilifi counties continue to face challenges, including prolonged drought, water scarcity, sand harvesting, destruction of marine ecosystems, and unsustainable mineral extraction. She emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and public participation in resource governance, particularly regarding reported mineral exploration activities in areas such as Mrima Hill.
Masai called for stronger protection of environmental defenders, stating that they face increasing risks while advocating for environmental justice. ‘Communities must be involved in decision-making processes from the beginning, and mechanisms should be put in place to safeguard both people and the environment,’ she said.
Kilinga Idd, speaking on behalf of the Kinango Human Rights Network, noted that environmental defenders often face intimidation and legal challenges after raising concerns about environmental issues. He mentioned that some activists have been charged with offenses following protests and petitions aimed at addressing environmental grievances. ‘We are not against development and investment. We are calling for fairness, accountability, and inclusion in decision-making processes,’ he said.
Environmental Rights Organization (EROG) Coordinator, Fardosa Mustapha, pointed out that environmental defenders are increasingly facing harassment on social media and other online platforms. She urged that environmental advocacy should be viewed as a contribution to sustainable development rather than opposition to investment projects. ‘Online platforms have become another space where environmental defenders are targeted and discredited,’ she said.
Duncan Okoth, Senior Environmental Officer at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), called for collaboration between communities, regulators, and other stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges. He stressed that environmental conservation requires collective responsibility and public participation to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. Okoth added that NEMA had not received any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports or approvals indicating active mining or prospecting activities at Mrima Hill.
Elsheba Okech, Kwale Mining Alliance Coordinator, expressed concern over conflicting information regarding mining developments in the county. She noted that inconsistent communication from various stakeholders was creating uncertainty among local communities regarding the status of mineral exploration projects. ‘There is a need for clear and consistent communication to enable communities to understand what is taking place,’ she said.
Elfic Tosi, founder of One Million Trees for Kilifi, emphasized the role of storytelling and documentary films in highlighting environmental challenges such as water pollution, air pollution, and ecosystem degradation associated with extractive activities. He stressed the need to place community voices at the center of environmental and climate justice discussions.
Haki Ni Yetu Project Manager Malkilina Nyandieka called for stronger collaboration among grassroots organizations to advance environmental justice and climate action initiatives. She noted that the program is working with local organizations, including the Kinango Human Rights Network and EROG, to strengthen community participation in environmental governance.
The forum concluded with calls for enhanced transparency in mining governance, protection of environmental defenders, and meaningful public participation in decisions affecting natural resource management across the Coast region.
