Title: Coastal Kenya Faces Rising Resource Conflicts and Political Tensions, Warns KECOSCE
Kilifi and other coastal counties are experiencing escalating tensions across resource, political, and criminal fronts, according to the latest weekly conflict early warning report by KECOSCE covering July 5–11, 2025. The report highlights 14 incidents in the week, including increased resource-based disputes, lethal violence, and ongoing protests, with 79% of conflicts still active and requiring urgent intervention. Key flashpoints included clashes over fishing zones in Mnarani, Kilifi County, and grazing disputes in Tana River’s Sailoni and Idsoe regions.
Organized criminal gangs are intensifying insecurity, particularly in Garsen and Madogo, exploiting land and resource disputes to perpetrate theft, assault, and violence. The fatal inter-community clash between local and Pemba fishers in Mnarani underscores growing competition over coastal resources, while protests in Miritini and Malindi revealed public frustration over suspended Madaraka Express services and delayed hospital allowances. The report also noted political volatility in Kilifi following the dramatic ouster of the county assembly speaker over misconduct allegations, signaling potential shifts in executive-legislative relations and intra-party tensions.
KECOSCE emphasized that climate-induced scarcity, weak governance, and poor communication exacerbate these conflicts. It recommends concerted action from law enforcement, county administrations, and community leaders to strengthen resource management, promote dialogue between competing groups, and prevent further escalation. The report calls for enhanced early warning systems, rapid threat assessments, and transparent public engagement to avert violence and foster stability in the coastal region.