Economic bloc: Coast leaders to popularise plan
What you need to know:
- According to Taita Taveta University College (JKUAT) Principal Hamadi Boga, the unity idea was mooted last November to address issues which have plagued the region for decades such as land, poverty and unemployment.
- “What is being created is a model of the East African Community where we have everybody on board,’’ says Mr Joho.
Governors and professionals spearheading the formation of the Coast economic bloc will hold a series of meetings to educate and explain what the union entails.
The first meeting, which will include the leadership of Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Tana River and Kwale counties, will take place on February 6 in Taita Taveta, days before the public begins giving views on a Bill that creates the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani.
According to Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, the forum will bring together grassroots leaders who include county executives and ward representatives. He said the leaders will be taken through the proposals for the union whose launch is slated for March 28.
“We will go round counties and constituencies to sell the agenda to the people. We are keen to build strong structures around the entity to guard against any set-backs and ensure its sustainability,” he said.
INVOLVE EVERYONE
“Our desire is to have all Coast leaders attend these meetings, ask questions and raise issues. That is why we make sure all are invited to the meetings and consultations and are sent all information about what is going on,’’ Mr Joho added.
According to Taita Taveta University College (JKUAT) Principal Hamadi Boga, the unity idea was mooted last November to address issues which have plagued the region for decades such as land, poverty and unemployment.
‘‘The key issues that emerged then were the apparent death of tourism which is the region’s economic life-line and insecurity which has given rise to travel advisories from European markets,’’ he adds.
Prof Boga heads the entity’s committee on security.
Pwani University Vice Chancellor Mohammed Rajab has been given the responsibility of setting up the Pwani Development Bank. His Technical University of Mombasa counterpart Josephat Mwatela is in charge of developing skills in technical, industrial, vocational and entrepreneurship (Tivet).
Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat, the Vice-Chancellor of Umma University was picked to chair an initiative that will assist students join universities under Pwani Foundation Education Fund.
“What is being created is a model of the East African Community where we have everybody on board,’’ says Mr Joho.
So far, he says they have been working with at least 1,200 professionals who have been using their resources whenever they are called upon to give their input.
