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.

After an approximately twenty minutes boda boda ride from the tranquil fishing village of Shimoni skirting my way through the snaky murram roads, I arrive at Fikirini village in Tswaka. A village of the hidden gem of the Three Sisters Giant Caves, the second largest cave system in East Africa.

I meet my guide Ali Toya who takes me through my odyssey at the magnificent caves complex comprising of the Mdenyenye, Pangani and Kisimani caves. The environment here is cool and secure, and the lovely vegetation makes the area a unique haven for photograph lovers. 

Wooden staircase leading into the Mdenyenye cave in Fikirini.

We first descend into the largest of the three caves, the Mdenyenye Cave using a wooden staircase well crafted by the locals. Toya takes his moment to first explain the meaning of the word ‘Mdenyenye’ to me.

“Mdenyenye is a word used by the Tswaka community to mean the act of ascending or descending using a rope or a hanging root. This is the largest coral cave in Kenya.” He elaborates.

As we get down into the caves we are welcomed by thousands of bats flocking around after sensing our presence in their domain. A unique encounter indeed as at some angles you have to duck to avoid the bats that were swooping and darting around the cave chambers. The atmosphere down here is thick and humid as we walk inwards on the soft cave floor covered with bats’ poo.

“Don’t be afraid. Some bats can even cling on your body.” Toya explains after seeing me getting petrified.

It is a unique adventure not for the faint heartened! But how was this hidden treasure used by the local Tswaka community in the past?

According to my guide, during the times of slave trade, the local community used to hide inside the Mdenyenye cave to evade those who came to their village looking for slaves. Today this cave is home to seven bat species including the Egyptian fruit bats, common bent-wing bats, long-fingered bat, tomb bats and the angle-faced bat. More than 40,000 bats live inside these caves a number that is believed to be the highest in Africa.

Though not well established, the Three Sisters Caves are a potential attraction of Kwale County. Most of the people who visit these caves are either tourists or researchers and scientists who come here to study bats, the stalactites and stalagmites formation in the caves or even the plant life in and around the caves. Today these caves are used as a spiritual site (Kaya) of the local Tswaka community.

While at the Fikirini caves site one can also have an unforgettable memory of viewing various bird species and also tour the Fikirini village for a taste of the natural refreshing coconut drink known as the madafu as you are entertained by traditional Digo dancers.

Getting to Fikirini:

Fikirini is located at the south eastern part of Kwale County near the fishing village of Shimoni, an approximately 45 minutes drive from the Beach resort of Diani. You can get to this place using a cab or use a public means of transport to Mwambao along Shimoni road and hire a boda boda to Fikirini village.

Have you ever visited the Three Sisters Caves of Fikirini? Drop us a comment on how your experience was like.

Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya has called upon parents to ensure their children are taken to school. Addressing residents of Samburu/Chengoni ward on Saturday when issuing bursary cheques to students of that ward learning in different secondary schools, Governor Mvurya reminded that education is the only key to success. He reiterated that the County Government of Kwale has invested much in education as a way of growing a society of professionals.  

Governor Mvurya (R) with KLB Board Chair Francis Baya (L). / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

At the same time Governor Mvurya called upon Kwale County residents to embrace peace and avoid political side shows, terming the recent self swearing in of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the Peoples’ President unconstitutional.

"There is only one duly elected President in Kenya and that is Uhuru Kenyatta. Therefore do not let anyone play around with your minds.” He stated.

Mvurya also urged all elected leaders from the County to shun divisive politics, and join hands in serving the people of Kwale.

“It is only through unity and working together that our development agenda shall be fulfilled. That is how we will move forward as a County." He explained.

On her part, Deputy Governor Fatima Achani stated that through the able leadership of Governor, Kwale County has realized most of its developmental agendas. Achani also asked Kwale residents to support Governor Mvurya to a higher national position after he finishes his second term as the Kwale Governor in 2022.

"Mvurya’s track record is open. In the education sector, it is only Kwale County among the 47 Counties in Kenya that has a successful bursary program with National School students receiving a 100 per cent scholarship." She pointed out.

Achani too urged parents in Kwale County to take all their children to school irrespective of their gender, reminding that education is the best inheritance for generation.

The two leaders were accompanied by several senior officials from the County Government and administration officer form the National Government.

In 2013 when they were elected for their first term in office under the devolved system of government, Governor Mvurya and his Deputy Fatuma Achani came up with the ‘Elimu Ni Sasa’ initiative, a program that has highly motivated the growth of education standards in Kwale County. Through this program the County Government of Kwale has facilitated the construction of state of the art Early Childhood Development Education Centers in various parts of the county, and also set aside a bursary fund that sponsors Kwale County students learning in various institutions across the country and also outside Kenya.

Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Education Mangale Munga Chiforomodo has assured Madibwani residents in Waa/Ng’ombeni ward that the County Government has already set aside funds to build a modern Early Childhood Development Education Center at the area.

Addressing villagers at Madibwani Primary School Chiforomodo reiterated that education is key to success and that the County Government of Kwale will ensure all areas in the County have modern infrastructure in their learning institutions.  

“I urge all parents to take their children to school regardless of their gender. I also want to assure you that the contractor is ready and the project of Madibwani Early Childhood Development Education Center will commence before the 3^rd of March this year.’’ He said. 

Kwale CEC Member Mangale Chiforomodo addressing Madibwani residents. / Photo: Neema Mwachome.

The County Executive Committee Member also urged the youth of Madibwani to make use of available Youth Polytechnics to learn various skills, saying that the County Government through the Education Department will pay twelve thousand shillings annually for to all students in polytechnics.

‘’Let us take our children to these polytechnics.  I have already received 36 million shillings for that program so no one should be left out.’’ Said the County Executive Committee Member.

Madibwani Primary School which started back in 2012 has only three teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya, with rest being PTA teachers. It has 2 classrooms which were funded by Matuga National Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Chiforomodo has also promised to combine effort with the area Member of Parliament Kassim Sawa Tandaza and Waa/Ng’ombeni Member of County Assembly Halfan Mwasera to ensure that Mabidwani Primary School infrastructure is improved.

Madibwani residents listening to CEC Member Mangale Chiforomodo. / Photo: Neema Mwachome.

Other County officials present at the meeting were Director for Early Childhood Development Education Abdallah Bilashaka and Matuga Sub County Administator Nimusimu Mwasina.

Source: Neema Mwachome-GPS

With reports showing that an estimated 23% of girls in Kenya get married before reaching the age of 18, efforts have been put up to protect the basic rights of the girl child. In Kwale County various stakeholders have come together in a bid to ensure that cases of early child marriages and early pregnancies are eradicated, and at the same time ensure that school drop out rates among the girls are decreased. Such cases are reportedly rampant in the rural areas where some families see the girl child as either a burden or at times a source of wealth. Many rural communities try to justify these malpractices by use of cultural or religious arguments. 

Kwale CEC Member for Education Mangale Chiforomodo at Naserian village. / Photo: Susan Nyamawi.

In a recent Lunga Lunga Sub County Education Stakeholders Forum held at Naserian village in Mwereni ward, officials from the County Government of Kwale their counterparts from the National Government and officers from various Non Governmental Organizations including Kwale Welfare and Education Association, Muslims For Human Rights (MUHURI) and Haki Yetu emphasized on the importance of education especially to the girl child in the society.

Addressing community members who attended this forum, Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Education Mangale Munga Chiforomodo asked the residents of Naserian village and Mwereni ward to take their children to school.

“It is unfortunate that Mwereni ward and particularly Naserian village has for long been listed as the area with the highest cases of early child marriages and early pregnancies.” He said.

Chiforomodo reiterated that education is a basic right to all children in Kenya, and that the County Government of Kwale will ensure every child in the County goes to school. He also cautioned that parents who force their girls to get married at an early aged will be held responsible for such offences.

“I urge all parents and the community at large to take responsibility and report the culprits who are behind the cases of early pregnancies or early child marriages which hinder our girls education.” He added.

At the same time the CEC member challenged responsible officials from both the county and national governments to take stern legal action against those interfering with girl child education. 

Naserian villagers following speeches at the sensitization forum. / Photo: Susan Nyamawi.

On his part, Lunga Lunga Sub County Director of Education Mr Roba explained that some parents use transfers to hide cases of child marriages or pregnancies. He however called upon school heads to regulate transfers of students as a way to eradicate those cases.

“Any parent who wants a transfer for his child should contact my office. Parents should also give equal rights to education to all their children regardless of their gender. Those who do not want to take their children to school will face the law.” He explained.

Mr Roba also reminded stakeholders present at the forum that the Basic Education Act should be adhered to.

Speaking at the same venue Lunga Lunga OCS Mr Richard Kerario challenged parents to report all cases of early pregnancies rather than solving them at community levels. “As police we take child offences seriously and we shall punish everyone found guilty of doing such offenses.” He warned.

Kwale Welfare and Education Association (KWEA) Chief Executive Officer Ms Sabina Saiti reminded Naserian villagers that educating the girl child is empowering the community. “All children have equal rights to education.” She added.

Ms Rehema Mwangeka from Naserian village in Mwereni ward Lunga Lunga. Photo: Susan Nyamawi.

On her part, Ms Rehema Mwangeka who is a volunteer girl child rights activist from Naserian village saidi that many mother want their daughters to learn but fathers tend to be the challenge or obstacle.

"Husband are the decision makers in our families and sometimes mothers are afraid to go against any of their decisions of marrying their daughters to the people they choose for them." She said.

However Ms Rehema urged the stakeholders present at the forum to invest more on sensitization campaigns in rural areas saying that in the recent past there has been a positive change.

Set in a cool and refreshing environment in the Shimba Hills Ecosystem, the Shifoga Eco Lodge offers a perfect feel of nature within the limits of Kwale. This Eco Lodge is located just about 200 meters from Kwale main town towards the Shimba Hills National Reserve which is home to the only sable antelope population in Kenya. On arriving at Shifoga Eco Lodge, one gets a unique introduction to wild from the sounds of singing birds and chatters of excited colobous and sykes monkeys jumping from one tree to another. This secret getaway features two self contained bandas with reliable water and power supplies. An overnight stay at Shifoga Eco Lodge is exceptionally a unique experience as one interacts with wildlife.

Photo: Shifoga 

While at this Eco Lodge there is never a boring moment. During the day, Shifoga guides will take you out for a walk a nature trail inside the Coastal Rainforest just outside Shimba Hills National Reserve. Here you get a chance to come close to the endangered black and white colobous monkeys, sykes monkeys, baboons and various birds and reptile species. Also in the nature trail walk which normally takes around 45 minutes, a visitor learns about different indigenous tree species.  

Shifoga Nature Trail walk. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

Amidst the forest is also a set up of a sample traditional Digo homestead (mudzi). As you enter the compound (muhala) at this sample Digo community homestead the first thing you see is a small structure decorated with red, black and white pieces of clothes. Traditionally the Digos called it the fingo which they believed that it offered family member protection from evil spirits. Here one also gets a detailed explanation on various types of traditional houses built by the Digo community in past, and places within their compounds where they used to pray for spiritual assistance from their ancestors. If you are lucky enough you will be entertained by traditional music from the Digo community while at this point in the forest. Later you are taken to a place called ‘ndala’ where the Kaya elders used to pray and offer sacrifices during times of calamities.

Mwakutunza from Shifoga explains about Digo traditions during the nature trail walk. / Photo: Ali Kipapuro.

Inside the Shifoga Nature Trail is a unique picnic site and also several camping grounds where visitors can opt to put up their tents for adventurous nights. It is in this forest also where Shifoga members have their butterfly farm, a livelihood project initiated to encourage Kwale community to conserve environment.

Shifoga picnic site inside the nature trail. / Photo Ali Kipapuro.

Apart from the Nature Trail, Shifoga Eco Lodge organizes village tours for visitors to mingle with local community member in various villages of Kwale where they learn about the lifestyle of the Digo and Duruma communities, and at times have a taste of traditional delicacies from the two communities. Shifoga also has day-long walking safari of about 25 kilometers where their visitors are treated to a unique odyssey in and around the Shimba Hills ecosystem. These tours normally start at their offices through Kwale town to Golini Resort where one takes refreshments and a chance to have an expansive view from the Golini cliff, and later proceed to Chitsanze waterfalls overlooking the magnificent Mwaluganje valley and back to Golini cliff for a sun-downer as you catch a far glimpse of the African Bush Elephants of the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary.  

The Shofoga Eco Lodge is owned by the Shimba Hills Forest Guides Association (SHIFOGA), a group formed in 2004. Below are their rates.

Tour Guiding - Shimba Hills Reserve

Non - Residents & Residents:                       Ksh. 1,500/= per group

Citizens:                                                             Ksh. 1,000/= per group

Institutions:                                                      Ksh. 2,000/= per group

Tour Guiding - NATURE TRAIL:

Non - Residents & Residents:                       Ksh. 500/= per person

Citizens:                                                             Ksh. 100/= per person

Tour Guiding - VILLAGE TOURS:

Non - Residents & Residents:                       Ksh. 500/= per

Citizens:                                                             Ksh. 200/= per person

Institutions:                                                      Ksh 2,000/= per group

Have you ever visited Shifoga Eco Lodge? You can drop us a comment below on how your experience was like.