Coastal Leaders Urged to Unite in Push for Fair Share of National Resources
A growing chorus of voices from Kenya’s Coast region is calling on local leaders to forge a unified political and economic agenda, similar to recent regional conventions seen in Central and Western Kenya. The calls follow the Limuru III and upcoming Bukhungu III forums, where leaders in those regions have rallied around shared interests and negotiated collectively for national influence. Residents and opinion leaders now argue that the Coast must organize its own Pwani I conference to articulate its priorities, assert its economic significance, and demand equitable treatment from the national government.
Advocates of the proposed coastal convention say the region has for decades contributed significantly to national revenue yet remains marginalized in resource allocation and political representation. With the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) headquartered in Mombasa—one of the country’s most profitable parastatals—the Coast plays a central role in trade and logistics. The region also boasts the country’s longest coastline, supporting blue-economy activities, fisheries, and tourism, all of which bring billions to the exchequer. Additionally, natural resources such as salt in Magarini, limestone and clinker in Jaribuni, and manganese deposits in Kilifi and Kwale continue to fuel national industries. Despite these advantages, coastal leaders have been criticized for failing to champion the region’s collective interests with the same intensity seen in other parts of the country.
Political analysts say the persistent silence from the region’s leadership has reinforced perceptions of the Coast as a politically vulnerable or soft region—one easily swayed during national elections but rarely represented meaningfully at the decision-making table. Residents argue that this reality must change, insisting that leaders from both sides of the political divide come together and make a bold, unified statement. They believe only a structured and strategic approach will enable the Coast to reclaim its rightful place in national politics and development planning.
Calls for a regional awakening continue to gain momentum, with stakeholders urging coastal professionals, business leaders, civil society groups, and elected officials to collaborate on a shared roadmap. Advocates say the time has come for the Coast to move from passive participation to deliberate action, and that a strong, united front is necessary if the region is to secure the respect, investment, and recognition it has long been denied.