Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and his Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani today distributed beef cattle breeds in Taru, MacKinnon Road Ward and meat goats breeds in Samburu/Chengoni Ward in a countywide agricultural empowerment drive aimed at ensuring food security.

Each ward is set to receive 20 bulls, and a total of 650 goats in all the four Kwale Sub Counties (Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Msambweni and Matuga), which are to be crossed with the local breeds to boost their productivity.

During the meeting at Taru and Samburu-Chengoni, the Governor warned beneficiaries against selling the cattle and goats breeds, saying such a move is counter-productive and will roll back the gains already made by the County government.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya talking to farmers in Taru, MacKinnon Road Ward. / Photo: Kwale GPS

“I want to put on notice those beneficiaries who are already looking for market to sell these cattle and goats breeds. Please take good care of these animals for posterity. When crossed, the new generation of animals will be better and will give you higher market returns,” said Governor Mvurya.

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani, who urged those who had benefited from the cattle breeds initiative to help in ‘cross-breeding’ them with their neighbors.

“These cattle and goats breeds are not enough for everyone but what would you really lose if your bull crossed with the herd of your neighbor?,” quipped the Deputy Governor.

At the same time the Governor urged residents to join hands and put their political differences to rest, saying much will be achieved when the people of Kwale work towards a common goal.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta and honorable Raila Odinga came together to unite Kenyans for the sake of prosperity for the nation. Let us also come together by putting our political affiliations aside to develop this great county of Kwale,” he said.

Source: Kwale GPS

Twenty farmers in Lunga Lunga Sub County, Vanga ward have a reason to smile receiving 20 hybrid bulls to crossbreed with local species to improve their stock.

The bulls were bought and supplied by the County Government, and Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and his Deputy Fatuma Achani presided over the colorful ceremony of distributing the bulls to the joyful farmers at the sub-county office grounds in Lunga Lunga.

Governor Mvurya and Deputy Fatuma Achani giving out hybrid cattle to Vanga farmers. Photo: Ali Kipapuro

A beneficiary Millicent Mwikali Muteti said the development by Governor Mvurya’s administration had streamed to the residents in phases.

“First it was the county bursary programme where I benefited. My child is in Form Two in a national school and receives 100 per cent bursary. I later benefited from a meat goats programme, then certified seeds and now beef cattle. We have been promised dairy cattle in about a month time. This is real life-changing development,” she said.

Among the beneficiaries included Perani Village Unit residents Joshua Kisilu, Chizama Ngoka, Mary Syombua, Mutisya Mbaluka and Chirunga Matembo.

Other beneficiaries from Sega, Kiwegu and Vanga village units were Joseph Mbithi, Saumu Chizi Hamisi, Nyawa Zuma, Daniel Kimeu, Omar Hamisi Gaone, Sammy Charles, Mangale Tsuma, Juma Njama, Kaunda Paul, Mariam Chaka, Jackline Nyawa, Majaliwa Mrisa Nyondo, Abdalla Omar Famau and Francis Mwangi Njuguna.

The actual villages where the bulls will be rared are Tsole, Uwanja wa Ndege, Kidziweni, Mwanamamba, Kidembe, Godo, Mombasa Ndogo, Jua Kali, Mkomani, Makwenyeni, Mwamose A, Kiwegu A, Kiwegu C, Bumbuna A, Matoroni A, Dziriphe, Tsuini B, Jego and Ngathini Center.

Governor Mvurya urged the farmers to take care of the bulls in order to benefit from the programme.

“These are huge bulls. Take good care of them to help from the crossbreed so that you get cows of better grade and quality that can fetch you good money. That is how we develop. Kwale County should go ahead and not remain static,” said the Governor.

Vanga Ward farmers after receiving a bull / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

“We have been together in the first term and now we are in the second term. Kwale County has gained popularity all over because we have a programme to change this county through educating our children to make sure nobody will ever laugh at us by being illiterate. At the moment we have about 2,000 children in universities from Kwale County whom we pay fees for, 100 per cent. We have other 3,500 in national schools whom we also pay 100 per cent fees, added the Governor.

He said his agenda is that after 10 years of his tenure, Kwale County should have local experts in various fields who will be available for the entire country and who will push the county’s development agenda.

He said he was happy with the county residents because they had understood his agenda “and where I want to take this county”.

On politics, Governor Mvurya said the county, like the nation, know who will succeed the incumbent and that it was not an issue to gamble about.

“We are not gambling. At the national level, we know it’s William Ruto who will succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta and here in Kwale, it’s my Deputy Fatuma Achani with whom I have worked together and knows the art of development. Do you want to gamble? And the crowd answered, “No”.

He cautioned them against listening to people campaigning for the seat of governor who have to vision.

“We are prepared and what remains is to pray about our agenda. We don’t prevent others but let them prepare on their own but as for us, we are prepared and ready,” he said.

A family taking home their hybrid bull. / Photo Ali Kipapuro.

Ms Achani said Kwale County was in safe hands under Governor Mvurya’s leadership adding that those opposing the Governor have an ill agenda for the people.

She urged the residents to focus on development alone and not engage or entertain leaders who only come with empty rhetoric.

The Governor and Deputy will for two weeks make extensive tours in all wards and village units in the four sub-counties of Kinango, Matuga, Msambweni and Lunga Lunga to distribute hundreds of bulls, dairy cattle and meat goats to hundreds of farmers.

Last week, the Governor and Deputy launched a seeds distribution programme at Mvindeni in Ukunda where thousands of farmers will benefit during this rainy season.

Source: Daniel Nyassy - Kwale GPS

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has urged leaders from the Coastal region to shun political divisions and work together to achieve the region’s development agenda.

Addressing a public rally at Jomo Kenyatta Primary School grounds in Msambweni Sub County, Governor Mvurya praised the move by opposition leader Raila Amollo Odinga to work together with the Jubilee government, and asked other leaders to follow suit. 

Governor Mvurya reminded that Kenya has to move forward, and leaders should not let their political affiliations derail development efforts by the government.

Governor Mvurya at Jomo Kenyatta Primary School Grounds. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro

He stated that the County Government of Kwale is planning to implement a universal health care system to ensure its residents get better health care services, saying that already Msambweni Referral Hospital has an operational modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a functional CT Scan machine and a Renal Unit all with equipment worth more than 800 million shillings.

Mvurya also applauded the joint efforts by the County Government of Kwale and the National Government to improve infrastructure system in the county, assuring Kwale residents that this will fast track the growth of the county’s economy.

Among the projects he mentioned are the tarmacking of Samburu-Kinango-Kwale road, Lunga Lunga – Vanga road, expansion of the Ukunda Airstrip and the Mwache Dam Project.

“As leaders we have no doubt with the work done by the Jubilee government. We however urge those contracted to implement these development projects to complete them in time.” Governor Mvurya explained.

At the same time he applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for recognizing Kwale County in his recent appointment of top government officials where the County got two Principal Secretary slots where Safina Tsungu Kwekwe was appointed Principal Secretary for Gender and Prof. Hamadi Boga Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Research.

On her part, Kwale Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani stressed that the leadership of Kwale County will not allow investors to oppress the residents of this county and asked the national government to collaborate with the county government in solving rising land issues citing the Vidziyani land dispute as an example. 

Kwale Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani. Photo: Ali Kipapuro

Governor Mvurya, his Deputy Fatuma Achani, Senator Issa Boy, Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori, Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani, Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari and several other leaders from the Coast had accompanied Deputy President William Ruto who was in Msambweni to officially commission the Milalani-Mivumoni-Kilulu road project and later handed over a school bus to Kingwede Girls Secondary School. 

Kingwede Girls Secondary School Bus. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Social Services and Talent Management Ramadhani Masudi Bungale has rooted for women and youth empowerment in the county.

Addressing residents when he presided over the county celebrations of the International Women’s Day in Kinango town on March 8^th, Bungale said women have power to bring change in the society, calling upon Kwale county leadership to unite in the movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. 

Kwale CEC Member Ramadhani Masudi Bungale in Kinango.

At the same time the County Executive Committee Member emphasized on the commitment of the County Government of Kwale to ensure equal representation in governance and in employment.

Bungale also stressed on the need to strengthen female entrepreneurship in the county as a way of creating a sustainable business society.

He has however urged women to unite and form women networks at ward levels, and seek relevant information on county projects, employment opportunities and services offered by the county government.

On education matters, Bungale emphasized on the need of Kwale parents to educate the girl child as a way of empowering the society, stating that already the county government has a unique and exemplary bursary program where each ward gets 400 million shillings annually. Through this program the county government is also giving a full sponsorship to students in National Schools.   

He also said that the county's social services and enterprise development departments have set aside funds to facilitate loans and credits to the youth and businessmen and women of Kwale County. 

Kwale CEC Member Ramadhani Masudi Bungale with County Women Representative Zuleikha Juma Hassan

On her part, Kwale County Women Representative Zuleikha Juma Hassan asked Kwale county leaders to unite and work together in the fulfillment of the county’s development agenda.

Zuleikha also promised to work closely with Kwale women from grassroots level as a way of empowering them, saying women have a great potential in the realization of a developed society.

She also called upon Kwale residents to ensure the youth especially the girl child is educated.

Her sentiments were echoed by Kwale County Maendeleo Ya Wanawake chairperson Amina Musau who reiterated that Kwale women have made great strides in education, leadership and in development.

Musau said that though many women are faced with challenges, there is need for women to come together in fighting them.

She also explained that Maendeleo Ya Wanawake organization shall work together with the leadership of Kwale County and other stakeholders in the efforts of empowering women in the county.

This year’s International Women’s Day comes as gender inequality is still rife in the society. Global statistics show that only one in four parliamentarians worldwide are women. If present trends continue with no action, it will take the world to 2086 before the gender pay gap is closed.

The International Women’s Day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with all those fearless women standing up for gender equality, and spotlight those who often pass unnoticed.

This year’s theme was “Press For Progress”.

It is estimated that Kenya earns around 2.5 billion dollars annually from its ocean resources, a positive indication that there can be a potential growth of the country’s GDP through the embrace of Blue Economy.

At Kibuyuni village in Kwale County, a group of around 50 members is already making fortunes from seaweed farming, a project that has improved the livelihoods of many families in the area.

According to Fatuma Mohamed the chairperson of Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers Group, this project started back in 2010 after a research done by Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) between 2001 and 2002 on the decline of artisanal fish catches.

Fatuma says that the research results showed that a certain species of seaweed spinosium (Eucheuma Denticalatam) that could be grown at the area. 

Fatuma Mohamed second right and other members of Kibuyuni Seaweed Famers Group. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro

In 2011 Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers who by then were 27 in number got funding from PACT-Kenya an Non Governmental Organization to enhance their project.  Each member had a six block farm with a capacity of 300 seaweed planting ropes. Today Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers grow two species of seaweed which are the spinosium (Eucheuma Denticalatam) and Cottonii (Kappaphycus Alvarezii). The production cycle of these seaweed species is between 30-45 days here in Kibuyuni. 

In 2014 the seaweed farming project expanded to 50 farmers through another funding from Kenya Coastal Development Programme (KCDP). In 2015 the farmers harvested 41.5 tonnes of seaweed making 1,277,490 Kenyan shillings after selling their harvest to a seaweed dealer from Belgium.  

Though seaweed has been identified as a good prospect for social and economical development in the area, Fatuma explains that after harvesting farmers dry the product though not through direct sunlight. In 2016, Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers got funding from Food and Agriculture Organization FAO which constructed a drying shed for them. She also says that FAO trained them on value addition and today they used the seaweed they grow to make soaps, lotions, cookies, cakes, shampoos, juices and jam which they sell to local markets. 

Kibuyuni seaweed drying shed funded by FAO. / Photo: Neema Mwachome

In the 2016/17 financial year,  the County Government of Kwale through the department of Trade and Cooperative Development constructed a Seaweed Collection Center here in Kibuyuni, a project which has benefited the seaweed farmers who are now storing their product in a safe place. Through this project the County Government of Kwale is encouraging the growth of the county’s economy through the Blue Economy initiative. Before this project, the farmers incurred losses as they used to store the seaweed they harvested in their houses. During rain seasons the product lost its value due to poor conditions of some of their houses.

Fatuma says that from their earning Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers invested in table banking and merry go round initiatives. 

VALUE ADDITION:

When processing their products, the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers Group members have to pass the seaweed through various stages in their Collection Center. First the seaweed is put inside a Hot Air Electric Drier several times until its completely dry. After this stage, the seaweed is then take to a Pulverizing Machine which chops it into sizable portions which are collected in specific buckets to the next stage. 

Some of the machines used to process seaweed products by Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers Group. / Photo Ali Kipapuro

From the Pulverizing Machine, the seaweed chops are the take to the third stage which is the Pelletizing Machine which make the seaweed into pellets which are in turn collected and take to Disk Milling Machine which grinds them. The seaweed powder is then taken to a Siftering Machine which sifts the finest powder to be taken to the next processing stage.

After siftering, the seaweed powder is ready for making soaps and shampoos. Here it is fed into a Portable Stirrer where it is mixed with the required amount of coloring, oil, and fragrance at a set temperature. The jelly is then collected in specific buckets a kept to cool. Later this collection is put into the last machine known as the Soap Plodder which performs a process known as the soap extrusion process. 

Bar soaps made from seaweed. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

BENEFITS:

According to Fatuma Mohammed who is the chairperson of Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers, seaweed also has medicinal values. She says that many tooth pastes are made using seaweed. She says that the use seaweed soaps cures rashes, skin ulcers and ring worms that are caused by fungi. She also says that consumption of seaweed as food boosts the immunity system, and according to her it is good for people living with HIV.