Environmental defenders, civil society organizations, community leaders and government officials in Kwale County have called for greater transparency in mining activities, enhanced environmental protection and stronger safeguards for environmental defenders.
The calls were made during a county forum held on the World Environment Day under the Haki Ni Yetu initiative, supported by Finland’s Kios Foundation.
Participants expressed concern that climate change and extractive activities could worsen environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities in coastal communities if not properly regulated.
InformAction Executive Director, Winnie Masai, said communities in Kwale and Kilifi counties continue to face challenges including prolonged drought, water scarcity, sand harvesting, destruction of marine ecosystems and unsustainable mineral extraction.
She noted that concerns have also emerged over reported mineral exploration activities in areas such as Mrima Hill, stressing the need for transparency, accountability and public participation in resource governance.
Masai called for stronger protection of environmental defenders, saying they face increasing risks while advocating for environmental justice.
“Communities must be involved in decision-making processes from the beginning, and mechanisms should be put in place to safeguard both people and the environment,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Kinango Human Rights Network, Kilinga Idd said environmental defenders often face intimidation and legal challenges after raising concerns about environmental issues.
He said some activists have been charged with offenses following protests and petitions aimed at addressing environmental grievances.
“We are not against development and investment. We are calling for fairness, accountability and inclusion in decision-making processes,” he said.
Environmental Rights Organization (EROG) Coordinator, Fardosa Mustapha, said environmental defenders are increasingly facing harassment on social media and other online platforms.
She said environmental advocacy should be viewed as a contribution towards sustainable development rather than opposition to investment projects.
“Online platforms have become another space where environmental defenders are targeted and discredited,” she said.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Senior Environmental Officer, Duncan Okoth, called for collaboration between communities, regulators and other stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges.
Okoth said environmental conservation requires collective responsibility and public participation to ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
He added that NEMA had not received any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports or approvals indicating active mining or prospecting activities at Mrima Hill.
Kwale Mining Alliance Coordinator, Elsheba Okech, expressed concern over conflicting information regarding mining developments in the county.
She said inconsistent communication from various stakeholders was creating uncertainty among local communities regarding the status of mineral exploration projects.
“There is a need for clear and consistent communication to enable communities to understand what is taking place,” she said.
One Million Trees for Kilifi founder, Elfic Tosi, said storytelling and documentary films have played a key role in highlighting environmental challenges such as water pollution, air pollution and ecosystem degradation associated with extractive activities.
He emphasized the need to place community voices at the centre of environmental and climate justice discussions.
Haki Ni Yetu Project Manager Malkilina Nyandieka called for stronger collaboration among grassroots organizations to advance environmental justice and climate action initiatives.
She said the programme is working with local organizations including the Kinango Human Rights Network and EROG to strengthen community participation in environmental governance.
The forum concluded with calls for enhanced transparency in mining governance, protection of environmental defenders and meaningful public participation in decisions affecting natural resource management across the Coast region.
By Chari Suche
