Community leaders and representatives from Shimoni and Vanga in Kwale County have received training on community engagement, stakeholder participation, and advocacy to strengthen development initiatives.
The training brought together representatives from 11 community groups benefiting from the Small Farms Programme, which supports projects across the coastal region.
Speaking during the training, Richard Matana, a project supervisor at Community Action for Nature Conservation (CANCO), said the program has supported Beach Management Units (BMUs), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), NGOs, Self-Help Groups, and youth groups.
Matana said, “The training aims to equip groups with knowledge and skills to engage communities effectively and advocate for policies that support sustainable development.”
Meanwhile, Mohamed Ndalu Mohamed, a Shimoni resident and Chairman of the Project Executive Committee (PEC) of the Shimoni Staff Café project, said the training had opened his mind to the importance of community participation.
“Effective community engagement promotes inclusivity, especially for women and persons with disabilities, and ensures transparency in decision-making,” he said.
Mohamed also highlighted challenges facing coastal communities, including illegal fishing and unregulated vessels. He added that digital systems in fisheries management are expected to improve monitoring and protection of marine resources.
Additionally, he raised concern over investors operating without adhering to environmental regulations set by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
On her part, Matina Mohamed, treasurer of the Kwale KCBN organization from Modo village, emphasized the need to involve women in decision-making.
“Women are now actively participating in meetings and development activities compared to the past,” she said, encouraging them to speak up.
However, she noted that lack of cooperation among community members remains a major challenge, with some preferring to work alone. She also cited conflicts arising when government-controlled natural resources intersect with development projects.
Community Action for Nature Conservation operates offices in Mombasa, Kwale, Nairobi, Eldoret, Homa Bay, and Turkana, focusing on community development and environmental conservation nationwide.