For many years, the Coast region of Kenya has been vocal about issues such as marginalization, land rights, devolution, and youth unemployment. These concerns have spurred the formation of various movements, forums, and regional initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the coastal communities. While some of these initiatives have achieved significant milestones, others have faded as their champions moved on to other pursuits. Despite these efforts, a crucial question remains unanswered: What is the unifying political and economic philosophy that should guide the Coast over the next generation?
Challenges facing the Coast region
The Coast is comprised of six county governments, each with its own set of priorities and challenges. However, there is a pressing need for a shared vision that transcends county borders and unites the region under a common agenda. As the 2027 general elections approach, there is a risk that leaders may be chosen without a clear understanding of the direction in which they are expected to lead. Prof. Hamadi Boga, a prominent voice in the region, emphasizes the importance of engaging in an honest dialogue among the people of the Coast. This dialogue should not be about forming another political party or pressure group, but rather about fostering a conversation that includes youth, women, elders, professionals, business people, farmers, fishermen, religious leaders, and the diaspora.
Prof. Boga suggests that the Coast should stand for certain non-negotiable priorities over the next twenty years, regardless of which political party forms the government. To achieve this, he proposes moving beyond informal debates and initiating a structured Coast-wide dialogue process. This process would involve a series of county and cross-county forums that bring together diverse groups such as youth representatives, women’s groups, elders’ councils, professional associations, business chambers, fisherfolk cooperatives, farming communities, faith leaders, and diaspora voices. The aim is to create a deliberate and continuous conversation that documents shared priorities, identifies areas of consensus, and builds a common Coastal agenda that can outlive electoral cycles.
Proposed dialogue for unity
Prof. Boga stresses that this should not be a one-off meeting or symbolic gathering. Instead, it should be a sustained process that ensures every voice is heard and every community is represented. By defining what 2027 should mean for the Coast in a structured and inclusive manner, the region can take control of its future, ensuring that its priorities are not only recognized but actively pursued. This approach would empower the Coast to navigate the gathering political tides with a clear and unified vision, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and equitable future for all its residents.
