Coast counties form commonwealth

From left: Governors Hassan Joho of Mombasa, John Mruttu of Taita Taveta, Issa Timamy of Lamu, Hussein Dado of Tana River and Salim Mvurya of Kwale during an event to launch Jumuiya Ya Kaunti za Pwani at Fort Jesus in Mombasa on June 13, 2015. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |

What you need to know:

  • Governors insist the new bloc is not political.
  • The official launch at Fort Jesus was attended by six county bosses.

Six Coast counties have formed an economic bloc, Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, after respective governors on Saturday night signed a cooperation agreement aimed at tackling socio-economic challenges facing residents.

Speaking during the official launch of the union, which is also called the Commonwealth of Coast Counties, at Fort Jesus, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said the bloc is a "home grown solution" to perennial challenges common to the member counties.

“We have been crying that we are marginalised by the national government. We are the poorest, yet our counties are home to most of the national resources. Economic challenges are many and they are causing social instability.

“Today, (Saturday) we have made the most important stride in uniting against land injustices, illiteracy, slow tourism consumption, insecurity, among others. I am convinced we are headed for a win,” he said.

The six counties are Mombasa, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi and Kwale.

The six counties can only have meaningful sustainable and harmonious growth if they work together. This will easily lead to faster equitable economic growth for employment and wealth creation, the Kwale governor said.

Mr Mvurya, who is also the chairman of the union, said the commonwealth is purely an economic association among members.

“The Jumuiya secretariat comprises academicians, experts and technocrats in the socio-economic sectors. They have no political ambitions. In all the 10 consultation meetings we have had between governors and the secretariat, we have never identified ourselves by our political inclinations, but an ambition of changing lives of the people,” he said.

ANCHORED ON THE CONSTITUTION

The signing of the memorandum of understanding is a forerunner to an August economic conference that will discuss cross cutting economic issues.

It will be from the issues that the economic blueprint will be drawn to guide the transformation roadmap of the region.

Branding the commonwealth as a political outfit, Mr Mvurya said, is a diversionary tactic of "enemies" who are envying people-focused progress.

Some MPs from the Coast led by Kilifi North legislator Gideon Mungaro have openly criticised the group since its idea of formation was conceived in November 16, 2014.

While acknowledging challenges from such politicians, he said if anyone has anything better they are welcome to suggestions, and the launch does not intend to lock out anyone.

Jumuiya is anchored on Article 189 (2) of the Constitution which allows for cooperation among counties as well as the national government to improve performance and delivery.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said the signing of the agreement is yet another milestone.

“Opposition is imminent. But we have resolved to surmount the challenges into opportunities,” he said.

To those calling the Jumuiya a political outfit and linking it to secessionists, Mr Kingi said: “Our role as governors is to give a leadership face. But the real work is done by the technocrats.

“Jumuiya has no plan of propelling a ‘Pwani si Kenya’ motive. We derive our authority from the Constitution of Kenya. There is no way we shall turn against what has given us the power to work together.”

With the formation of one economic community, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said, the Coast has buried the blame game over neglect against the national government.

“Cries that we are marginalised have been buried today. This is a new beginning. By signing the agreement, we have taken charge of our destiny,” he said.

Mr Joho said one of the first projects is to equip and rebrand Coast General Hospital to a Jumuiya facility.

BE A SOLUTION

Tana River Governor Hussein Dado said the just like Fort Jesus where they signed the agreement, Jumuiya will endure for years.

On his part, Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu said pulling together resources for common investment would be a solution to problems dating back to independence.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said whether critics like it or not, the association will continue, adding that the block will only get public support if leaders and the secretariat change their lives.

Areas of collaboration include joint promotion of tourism, youth and women empowerment through projects and research-based training, cross county investments and common funding of megaprojects.

The commonwealth was to be launched on March 28, but technical issues led to the postponement to allow for further consultation.