Coast Leaders Rally Behind Ruto, Urge Region to Vote as One for Development

Senior political leaders from the Coast have urged residents to unite behind President William Ruto’s administration. They argued that working closely with the national government offers the region its best chance to secure equitable development and long-term investment.

Speaking during a political gathering in Likoni, Mombasa, Cabinet Secretaries, Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, and elected leaders said the Coast had historically backed opposition candidates. They argued that the voting pattern reduced the region’s influence in national resource allocation.

Leaders Push Coast Political Realignment

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the six Coast governors had agreed to champion a grassroots campaign. The campaign aims to strengthen the region’s partnership with the national government.

He said the initiative would protect the interests of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta counties. He added that it would help build a united regional voting bloc.

Mvurya said residents of Kwale and Mombasa had embraced the vision of regional unity. He said the goal was to pursue economic growth and equitable development.

“As leaders, we highlighted the President’s proven development record. We urged residents not to be swayed by divisive politics that have hindered the Coast’s progress and prosperity,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho urged residents to support continuity in government. He said the current administration had adopted a more balanced approach to national development.

“For the very first time, if they build a stadium in Baringo, one is also built in Kwale. If they take roads over there, they come here too,” Joho said.

Leaders List Development Projects

Joho listed several national government investments in the Coast. They include Sh3.3 billion for fishermen and women’s groups, Sh2.7 billion for the Shimoni Port project, Sh1.8 billion for a Maritime Training Institute, and Sh16.6 billion for water infrastructure in Mombasa.

He said the projects showed the government’s commitment to solving long-standing development challenges.

Mvurya and Joho, both former governors, said policy continuity would sustain economic reforms, improve security, and expand opportunities for residents.

They urged voters to judge the Kenya Kwanza administration by its performance since taking office in 2022.

County and National Governments Strengthen Partnership

Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir said Mombasa County had strengthened its partnership with the national government. He cited the formal employment of Community Health Workers and expanded access to treatment through the Social Health Authority.

Nassir said the county planned to complete a Level Four maternity hospital in Likoni. The facility will spare expectant mothers from crossing the Likoni Ferry during emergencies.

Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Fikirini Jacob said the Coast now had stronger representation in the national government than in previous administrations.

He said senior leaders from the region had strengthened efforts to lobby for development projects.

Jacob said the Nyota programme had provided business grants and vocational training to 820,000 young people without formal academic qualifications.

He added that the government deregistered 1,000 fraudulent labour recruitment agencies. The move made overseas employment safer for more than 541,000 Kenyans. It also helped increase annual diaspora remittances from Sh5.2 billion to Sh6.5 billion.

Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged residents to register for national identity cards. They also encouraged them to prepare for future voter registration drives.

“Tomorrow’s journey is planned today,” Masito said.