June 2019 - Magazine 19

Issue 19 - June 2019 Next Issue - July 2019

SAND HARVESTING

DIANI

ME I Love Kenya DIANI

MOMBASA

KILIFI

WATAMU

MALINDI

LAMU

WELCOME, KARIBU 4. Sand Harvesting, Diani

8. Me I Love Kenya

E

xplore the magical coastline of Kenya with a little help from Coastal Guide.

Coastal Guide is a monthly magazine publication that is available at various outlets along Kenya’s coastline.

It is designed as a guidebook, providing useful information and services to enhance your stay and make it easier for you to find the things you need. A new issue is released on the 15th of each month and can be found in Diani, Mombasa, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi, Lamu and Nairobi.

14. The Disappearing Mangrove

18. Kwetu Eco Festival

Each issue of Coastal Guide also reports on social and conservation initiatives in Kenya. Any support you can offer these initiatives will go a long way towards retaining the beauty and unique charm that makes Kenya one of the best destinations in the world.

Please remember when visiting Kenya’s beautiful beaches to “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time” We hope you will find this guidebook useful during your stay. Contact us on 077 505 9069 or visit our website www.coastalfootprints.co.ke for more information about Coastal Guide.

Cover Photo: Nathan Cohen (Sand Island Beach Cottages, Tiwi) Content Contributor: Brigite Marques, Tamara Britten, Ulrike Neubert, Kelly - Marie Martin & Ken Chelimo

Nyali Golf & Country Club

Supermarket Coastal Footprints | 01

SAND HARVESTING MENACE SOUTH COAST RESIDENTS RAISE CONCERN Author: Ken Chelimo

T

he ongoing sand harvesting along the Kenyan coastline has raised eyebrows among residents and other stakeholders operating in the South Coast as the dredging and disposal of sand poses an environmental threat to the internationally renowned Diani Beach and its ecosystem.

The residents under the umbrella of South Coast Residents Association (SCRA) and other interested parties in Diani have come out to strongly petition the government to stop the operation in the area claiming that the sand harvesters who have been commissioned

by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) were operating with impunity using an outdated licence which was issued after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in 2007.

According to SCRA, the 2007 licence is invalid since not all stakeholders were involved in carrying out the environmental assessment exercise. The stakeholders include Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC), Kwale County Natural Resource Network (KCNRN), The fishing community, Beach operators and Environmentalists. SCRA also wants The County Government of Kwale to be enjoined in the petition as an interested party as it levies taxes on those operating businesses in the area including those transporting on road sand harvested from the coastline.

The County Government of Kwale had not been constituted in 2007 when the initial licence was issued as the Kenyan constitution was amended in 2010 which allowed for the formation of county governments in the country.

“The current sand harvesting operation is therefore illegal and needs to be stopped immediately”, says SCRA members warning that the continued operation of the sand harvesters was detrimental to the ecologically sensitive areas especially to the existence of corals and algae along the reefs in Tiwi and Waa areas in Diani where the exercise is rampantly being carried out. The sand operation also leads to the diminishing of some fish species in the sea thus affecting the fishing community in the area.

Dr David Obura, a renowned Kenyan Marine Biologist in an article in the Cordio (website) confirms that dredging leads to sand being deposited on the reef hence affecting the corals and algae and subsequently the fish population in the sea. This, he says, greatly affects the economic activities of the local fishermen in the area affected.

“So far the government has been completely silent. There are a couple of things it should do.

NEMA should suspend the operations immediately. It must require that the EIA be updated. The assessment must also specify relevant options for monitoring the adjacent reef and limiting sediment plume effects and consult the relevant authorities in the county government', states Dr Obura in the online publication dated 22nd March, 2019.

The petitioners are optimistic that this operation can be stopped immediately citing the case of the Chinese harvesting sand at the start of the building of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mombasa in 2014 in which SCRA managed to stop the operation through an environmental tribunal. SCRA also wants all stakeholders to be involved in future EIA exercise in South Coast.

“If we don't stop this rampant sand harvesting which is an environmental hazard in our midst, soon we will only have bare rocks instead of the usual pristine white sand in our beaches, more so in Diani Beach”, regret the South Coast Residents. Diani Beach has been voted the best beach destination in Africa by international tour and travel agencies in the last five years.

Coastal dredging and port construction exacerbates sediment influx by re-suspending benthic sediments. Fine sediments tend to have greater effects on corals compared to coarse sediments (corals, seagrass, beds, mangroves, nearby beach and tidal flat areas used by avifuana, turtles and humans). Coral reefs are among the best known marine habitats in Kenya because their existence in the Marine ecosystem are an attraction to numerous fish species which benefit the local fishing community. It is also an attraction to the tourists visiting the area particularly for Scuba Diving and Snorkelling.

The ongoing sand harvesting exercise is being undertaken after Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) launched a massive improvement project in the port of Mombasa which requires thousands of tonnes of sand to backfill areas for land reclamation. KPA intends to expand its oil terminal to accommodate three or four ships docking at the same time.

In their petition the residents say the licence for the EIA carried out in 2007 was extended by 24 months in 2011 but the addendum did not include sand harvesting in areas south of Shelly Beach in Mombasa. They are therefore preparing a petition to be lodged at the Mombasa High Court to issue an order to stop the operation in the South Coastline.

There has also been concern over the observation of intense dredging activity of the vessel Willem Orange associated with KPA project along the coast south of Mombasa at close proximity to the reefs located in front of Tiwi beach, an area not included in the 2007 EIA which has negatively impacted on the reefs in the South Coast.

In the past, the petitioners have managed to hold meetings with NEMA, KPA and some contractors involved in the project but nothing has been forthcoming after the meetings. In April, for example, a Parliamentary select committee on environment met the stakeholders including the sand harvesting contractors, NEMA and KPA officials to deliberate on the matter but the stakeholders’ grievances are yet to be addressed. An EIA official at NEMA headquarters in Nairobi, Mr Gideon Rotich, said he was aware of the raging issue at the South Coast adding that a Mr Stephen Wambua, NEMA's Environmental Director was handling the issue from their Mombasa office.

Despite previous grievances lodged by the stakeholders in the meetings, the petitioners are now filing the case in court to compel KPA to seriously pay attention to their plea to save Diani and for NEMA to carry out a fresh EIA in the area involving all stakeholders including the Kwale County Government.

Mt Kenya Mt Kenya towers over central Kenya, its three craggy peaks jutting into the sky.

Gazing up at the summit, it's easy to understand why the Kikuyu believed it to be God's throne, seat of the God Ngai.

Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, called his book about the Kikuyu Facing Mount Kenya and the mountain's name, Kirinyaga, gave the country its name. The mountain stands at just over 5,100m, making it the second highest peak in Africa; it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Safari Kenya's most famous activity, safari is loved by Kenyans and visitors alike. The number of wild animals in Kenya is amongst the highest in Africa and the joy of seeing them in their natural habitat never abates. The 'big five' – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – are found here in abundance, while huge herds of plains game can be seen on the grasslands. Bird species in Kenya number 1,105, putting the nation in the top 15 birding countries of the world. With Savannah and moorlands, swamps and lakes, mountains and valleys, Kenya has an extraordinary range of habitats that provide homes for its extraordinary range of species.

Athletes Kenya's marathon winning athletes are famed the world over – and no wonder!

The statistics speak for themselves. Eliud Kipchoge has won 11 of the 12 marathons he's competed in – his only loss being to another Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang, in the Berlin marathon of 2013. Husband and wife team Paul Lonyangata and Purity Rionoripo are often seen on podiums around the world. And at the London marathon, one of the most prestigious events in the Athletics calendar, the list of winners – both male and female – is a string of Kenyan names.

kenyanisms

Matatus Matatus are the most used and useful form of transport all over Kenya. These jampacked minibuses career all over Nairobi, and from town to town around the country.

Their sides are decorated with slogans and sayings, pictures and portraits, cartoons and colours. While these privately-owned minivans are often slated for their deathdefying driving, matatus also provide a record of current attitudes in Kenya – their vibrant designs making political statements and venerating current entertainment megastars. Many are pimped up with music and wifi, and ply the Kenyan roads with vigour and vivacity.

While every year is a little different, the animals usually enter Kenya in June, coursing north through July and August then flowing south towards Tanzania in September and October.

Mpesa

Kenya's mobile money system was groundbreaking and technologically ambitious when it was launched in 2007.

The app allows Kenyans to keep money on their phones, and to pay bills directly from phone to phone. Devised by the Kenyan mobile network operator Safaricom, Mpesa is now used more than cash; locals use it to pay everything from bar bills to gas bills, The oldest continuously inhabited port on from rent to taxis, and from school fees to the coast of East Africa, Lamu was staff. Kenyans send money to relatives in designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site the shags, they receive money from friends in 2001. This idyllic island boasts a long and down the road, they bet on football and eventful history whose stories echo marathons and more. through the years, especially in Lamu Old Town, the Takwa Ruins, Siyu and Faza. With no cars on the island, visitors can wander the ancient alleys unimpeded; transport is Kenya's most famous writer is undoubtedly by dhow or donkey. Popular pastimes here the multiple award winning Ngugi wa are sunset dhow cruises, water sports and Thiong'o. The eminent author is recognised strolls along the swathes of white sand for a significant number of books written beaches. over several decades from his early novels set during the turbulent times of the Mau Mau such as Weep Not, Child and The River Kenyans sure can run! And in a sport where Between to his latest classic Wizard of the Crow, and including non-fiction works such deftness of foot is a prerequisite it's no as Decolonising the Mind. The next surprise they're at the forefront. The sevens team is known as Shujaa – a Swahili generation of writers, too, are proving that word meaning courage, confidence, bravery Kenyans have what it takes in the world of and heroism; it's one of the 15 core teams literature. Look out for books by Yvonne of the World Series and competes in the Odhiambo Owuor, Muthoni Garland, World Rugby Sevens Series, the Rugby Binyavanga Wainaina, Peter Kimani and World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Meja Mwangi amongst others.

Games. Its many wins have led the team to be awarded men's Team of the Year six times at the Kenyan Sports Personality of Kenya made history in 2017 when it banned the Year Awards, while Collins Injera and plastic bags. This tough ban with instant Humphrey Kayange have both been nominated for World Rugby Sevens Player penalties shocked the world, establishing of the Year.

Kenya's place in the fight against climate change and effectively changing the face of the country overnight. It should perhaps come as no surprise that Nobel Peace Prize Photos of wildebeest plunging into the Mara River and being crunched by crocs are winner and founder of the Green Belt Movement Wangari Maathai was Kenyan. some of the nation's most dramatic Remembered for her battle against pictures. What's known as the Great urbanisation and her defence of forests, Migration is in fact a constant flow of animals around the Serengeti Mara especially Nairobi's Karura Forest, her most ecosystem. Around 1.5 million wildebeests, famous quote was: 'It's the little things together with about 350,000 Thomson's citizens do. That's what will make the gazelles, 200,000 zebras and 12,000 elands, difference. My little thing is planting trees.’ pass through the

Lamu

Writers

Rugby 7s

Eco friendly

Migration

Most Kenyans speak three languages: English, Swahili and their tribal language.

Perhaps because of this linguistic confidence, they love a bit of word-play.

Mixing up languages within sentences, they throw words together in an original and striking way. The young have created a language known as Sheng: a combination of English, Swahili, Kikuyu and a sprinkling of other languages; there's even a radio station in Nairobi produced exclusively in Sheng. Some of the most well-known Kenyanisms include the oft used 'Me I', 'Journey mercies' and 'Shock on you!’

Beaches Kenya's coast has to be seen to be believed. Filled with beaches, bays and brilliant seas, the coast is beloved of Kenyans and visitors alike. Mombasa, Kenya's second largest town, lies on an island at the centre of the coast, its eventful history alive in its bustling old town and Fort Jesus. Perhaps Kenya's most famous coastal destination, Diani Beach has won multiple awards for its long white beach and vibrant party scene.

Malindi, once a port frequented by ships from around the world, was a key destination in the time of the trade routes. Watamu is an exquisite bay, while Kilifi and Mtwapa line the banks of striking creeks. Msambweni and Shimoni, on the Tanzania border, are more remote and less visited, ideal for those who want to get away from it all.

Conservation Kenya was ahead of the game when, in the 1970s, the country banned hunting. While many might have thought that the end of hunting safaris would cause a significant drop in tourism, Kenya proved that people like to shoot with a camera not a gun.

Continuing this theme, Kenya has gone on to lead the way in the creation of conservancies, hugely increasing the amount of land dedicated to wildlife and contributing to the wellbeing of local communities. The country also has a plethora of conservation organisations dedicated to almost every species of animal and bird, including the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Mara Predators, the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust, Save the Elephant and the Northern Rangelands Trust.

HOMEGROWN KENYA

Author: Kelly-Marie Marin

ERIC WAINAINA Music is a powerful tool, it can unite, empower, strengthen and even divide people. Through the ages, music has played an essential role in all era's, cultures and is appreciated by all ages. There is evidence that even early man, dating approximately 2 million years ago, developed primitive flutes from animal bones and used stone and wood as percussion.

Whether it be singing hymns in church or listening to the radio on a long road trip, music makes its way into all aspects of our lives. Music can be an indestructible force and can push forward social change. Many musicians have used this tool effectively to empower communities and even whole nations, as Bob Marley famously sang 'Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights', a powerful song that had a ripple effect through a broken nation.

The power of music isn't a new movement or notion, even Plato famously said: “Musical innovation is full of danger to the State, for when modes of music change, the fundamental laws of the State always change with them”. Which leads us to Eric Wainaina, a Kenyan musician, whose music has touched the hearts of Kenyans, his songs known for having a strong stance against social injustice.

Eric, born in Nairobi in 1973, from an early age was drawn to music. At the age of four, he received his first instrument, a piano. Throughout primary and secondary school, he was part of a choir and was one of five in a male acapella, named Five Alive in the mid-90s. Their first album, Five Alive, was released in 1996 and was a huge success, which led to a European tour in the same year. Eric went on to perform and appear in the video 'Get in the Driver's Seat', which was funded by the United Nations Drug Programme, a successful anti-drug Campaign which reached 20 countries. It is very likely that this experience steered Eric towards activism and social awareness that characterises so much of his music.

In 1997 Eric went to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, where he gained a honours degree in Music. During this time, Eric recorded Daima Kenya (also known as 'Kenya Only'), which became a pivotal song in Kenya, considered the second national anthem for Kenya for its strong message of unity. The song was released shortly after the terrorist attacks on the US Embassy in 1998 and has the unique ability to bring Kenyans together in times of grieve. For this reason, it was later revived on the radio in 2008 after post-election violence. Eric's first album, Sawa Sawa, was released in 2001 and still remains one of the highest selling solo albums in Kenya. A flood of successful songs and albums followed, many of which spoke of social injustice and unity. Other songs include 'Fancy Car', 'Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo', 'love and protest' and many others.

Eric's achievement as a solo artist alone is commendable but he is also having great success in the world of musical theatre. In 2004, Eric both wrote and starred in a musical called 'Mo Faya', based on a mythical warrior in Luo Folklore. The musical had great success, with an 8-week stint at GoDown Arts Centre in Nairobi, followed by a nationwide tour around Kenya. The musical was later selected for the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2009. Eric went on to direct and produce music for the Tinga Tinga Tales Musical, a well-known children series based on African wildlife folk tales. The musical went on to perform in New York in 2018. Eric is currently working in partnership with the Sundance Institute Theatre program, on a Musical Theatre Initiative, which mentor's theatre writers and helps produce new musicals which have been composed and performed by new artists. The initiative is working towards a Musical Theatre Festival to be held late 2020. Eric continues to tour globally and advocates young new artists, hosting 'Live at The Elephant' every month, an event that showcases Kenya's best live acts. Eric has won multiple awards for his achievements including Best East African Artist, he was designated as the National UN Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and received the 2018 Music In Africa Honorary Award for his contributions to music. Eric's list of achievements and recognitions are many, he continues to wow the world and we look forward to seeing what his next moves will be!

To learn more please check out: www.thatericwainaina.com

Contact : 0775 059 069, Email : info@coastalfootprints.co.ke

Author: Brigite Marques

M

ombasaWorks is a new and exciting workspace for entrepreneurs, remote workers and creatives.

Providing a beautiful and quiet place to work with all amenities at The Avenue Building near City Mall, Nyali. It is a hub for meeting others working in the area, potentially leading to exciting collaborations.

The founder, Cindy Odengo, is a Mombasa local. She feels passionate about being a “part of a solution for a change” by investing in her home. As with many of us born and raised here, her heart is firmly in Mombasa and she feels the desire to be a part of the coastal region’s progression. Her inspiration for this contribution came after spending several years on an aid programme trying to understand constraints on youth and development in the coastal region.

Not only a place for working, but MombasaWorks also hosts a variety of events to boost the community and inspiration in our coastal region. Their Founders series provides an opportunity for insightful stories from organisations specifically based on the Kenyan coast.

As Cindy describes in her own words: “We’ve begun an important conversation about what innovation and entrepreneurship look like in this region: it exists and in true Mombasa style, it is very diverse.”

The Founders, a bi-monthly event, has hosted chats with Munyutu Waigi, Mombasa born tech entrepreneur, Jo Maiden, founder of fashion brand Soko, and the upcoming talk with Jean-Claude, co-founder and COP of tech-driven logistics company Lori Systems.

Discussions have ranged from experiences of million-dollar venture funding for tech startups, starting and running a fashion brand as a female and mother and all the trials and tribulations that come along with these endeavours. These events complement the current landscape of the coast which is developing in its own unique way with the likes of tech hubs such as Swahilibox and Mombasa Tech. It is important for people to be aware of the coast’s opportunities, it’s unique needs and to feel driven to invest in its development.

The mission for MombasaWorks is to build a community where professionals can learn from one another. The future will see MombasaWorks provide carefully curated learning opportunities for people who are looking for personal and professional growth. This space is just the start, keep your eyes and ears peeled for more MombasaWorks locations in the future.

The space is available to rent for presenting, sharing or running workshops of your choice. In its 7 months life span it has already been host to training, teaching, workshops and events.

These have included marketing for creatives organised by Life in Mombasa’s Jamila, with up and coming vlogging talent Farhana Oberson and fierce lady PR expert Nadia Naddy.

MombasaWorks is another supreme example of female entrepreneurship which is cause for celebration not only on the Kenyan coast but worldwide. With varying full-time, part-time and even week and day passes the space affordably caters for a variety of circumstances.

MombasaWorks cares about what the community wants and is devoted to fulfilling those needs.

+254 (0) 714 456 131 +254 (0) 735 331 002

+254 (0) 722 203 082 www.peponihotel.com reservations@peponihotel.com

cave@alibarbours.co www.alibarbours.co

Author: Kelly Martin Photo credit: Jenny Choma

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angrove forests are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, they are the birthplace of approximately 75% of all known tropical fish and over 60% of the fish we eat will at some point in their lifespan live within the roots of the mangroves. Mangrove forests also have an incredible array of animals, home not only to fish but reptiles, mammals, birds and insects. In addition, they filter nutrients and toxins out of the water, which in turn improves the water quality.

Mangrove forests can store up to five times more carbon than many terrestrial ecosystems. Many other ecosystems rely on them, such as neighbouring coral reefs, seagrass beds and inland communities. Their complex root system provides protection and shelter from extreme weather conditions such as storms, hurricanes and tsunami's, helping reduce flooding and coastal erosion. They are also a great resource for building materials if used sustainably. No system, manmade or natural, can do these jobs better. Yet, we have lost approximately 30% 50% of these vital forests in the last 50 years, all due to human- driven activities such as tourism, aquaculture, logging and development.

Mangrove forests, which could arguably be one of the most vital ecosystems in the world are generally unknown and overlooked by many, especially when compared to other ecosystems, such as coral reefs and rainforests. Many people may have heard of mangrove forests, but are often unaware of its functions and the incredible importance they have on our daily lives, particularly for coastal communities. For example, fish is one of the most important sources of animal protein, accounting for roughly 17% of protein worldwide, and in many developing countries, this percentage often exceeds 50%. In addition, around 97% of fisherman live in developing countries and rely on fishing for both food and income. Furthermore, approximately 40% of the world's human population lives within 100 km from the coast, and this is only increasing with many reports suggesting this figure will increase to nearly 75% in the next few years.

Mangroves are vital in maintaining fish stocks and protecting coastlines, playing an essential role for both us and the natural world, but continue to be under immense strain due to humans.

Yet, many of you may be wondering what exactly makes them so different from other forests. Well, firstly mangrove forests are only found along coastlines, made up of trees and shrubs, living both in the water and out. They have complex intertwining roots which are left exposed to all the elements and ever-changing tides. It is these complex root systems which have given these trees their nickname 'walking trees'. Most terrestrial plants would not survive the harsh conditions that mangrove forests endure daily. Due to the brackish water they live in, these trees have evolved special adaptations to enable them to live in the salty and oxygen-poor soil. Globally, there are 54 true species of mangrove, 9 of which are found in Kenya. Africa is home to approximately 20% of mangrove forests, the second largest range in the world, with the first being Asia. In Kenya, mangrove forests cover approximately 46,590 hectares, with its largest formation in Lamu, accounting for over 60% of mangrove forest cover in Kenya.

There is no dispute that these unique forests need protection and much has been done by Kenya Forest Services (KFS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and others to protect them. Many projects have been implemented including a licencing system, a service which regulates the harvesting of mangroves. This is one of many initiatives, but due to the lack of resources and management plans, often mangrove harvesting and other impactful activities continue both unregulated and unmanaged.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for Kenyan mangrove forests, with help from conservation organisations and government departments, there are now many community projects along the coast

with the sole mission to protect and restore these forests. One particular project managed by a community in Gazi, a small fishing village near Msambweni, are helping restore mangrove forests and the community has witnessed firsthand the positive impact this has had in a very short time. Trading of fish is one of the main income revenues for this community. This is not particularly unique compared to many coastal communities, but what is, is something that community members come together to do each year. For three days during the rainy season, people plant mangroves instead of going out to fish. At least one member of every family gets involved and the benefits have been glaringly evident.

Fishermen have reported since taking on the care of the mangrove forest, fish stocks have increased, so much so that it has bought fisherman to their waters from as far as Tanzania.

Not only does this provide economic benefits to the community, but it also helps mitigate the effects of climate change. This project, which was spurred by Kenya Marines and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), has not been without its challenges. Initially, it was difficult to persuade community members to get involved, as many did not understand the link this had to environmental issues such as climate change.

However, KMFRI worked with communities, holding community meetings to create awareness, the community soon embraced the project and went on to form Mikoko Pamoja (meaning 'mangroves together' in Kiswahili). The project now has its own boardwalk for ecotourism and runs a restaurant for visitors. This has given the mangroves an added value, providing more jobs for community members.

Furthermore, this has led to a carbon offsetting project, whereby the community must plant 4,000 seedlings annually to receive monetary benefits from organisations such as Earthwatch. This money has gone towards development projects, such as classroom renovations and supplying clean

water to villages. The project has positively impacted many, from increasing fish stocks, tourism and provision of vital infrastructure.

Everyone has a role to play in protecting these forests. There are many ways you can help. Visit one of the many mangroves ecotourism projects in your area, below are a few mangrove projects but you can also find out when visiting the coast, where the nearest mangrove forest is to you. Tell people about them, many people know very little about the vast role these ecosystems play. Finally, donate to projects that are working towards the restoration of mangrove forests.

Please see the list below for some of the mangrove projects and forests in Kenya, check out the websites to learn more and see how you can help save these extraordinary, underestimated but increasingly threatened forests; Mikoko Pamoji project in Gazi- www.mikokopamoja.org Pate Island near Lamu- www.lamutourism.org Funzi Island near Shimoni – contact local tour operators to arrange a visit.

*on sharing basis. Terms and Conditions apply

KWETU

ECO FESTIVAL

Author: Ulrike Neubert

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Kwetu Training Centre for Sustainable Development conducted another successful annual Eco-Festival on 9th June. The event attracted an increased number of exhibitors who showcased eco-friendly projects and nature-based products from along the Kenyan Coast.

Visitors enjoyed the day of fun for the whole family, with environmental education through movies and talks, and walks through the extensive site including a boardwalk through the mangroves. They actively participated in candle and soap making, learned how to process honey harvested from KWETUs beehives and admired the fish ponds which not only grow fish but also prawns and crabs.

This was the first time that the 'Crab Chase Challenge' a corporate teambuilding competition was held. Five teams tested their teams' creativity, innovative thinking, problemsolving and environmental knowledge. Competing teams were Ecofestival sponsors, Base Titanium, Kivukoni School, Mayfair Bank, Mayfair Insurance and Pwani University. Other supporters were Greenlink, Eco-Tourism Kenya, Komaza and Weldon. Teams had great fun testing their survival skills in the fishponds 'chasing the crabs'.

Visitors were able to watch environmental movies, participated in the painting competition, an environmental quiz and treasure hunt. Students from Mtomondoni Secondary School and Kivukoni School presented environmental poems, songs and skits. For those who just wanted to relax there were plenty of shopping opportunities and food stalls with sitting areas overlooking the Mtwapa creek while listening to soft music.

For those who just wanted to relax there were plenty of shopping opportunities and food stalls with sitting areas overlooking the Mtwapa creek while listening to soft music.

The Eco-Festival also occasioned the official launch of the 1 Million Moringa planting campaign, that KWETU is organizing in collaboration with PWANI University and the Kilifi Ministry of Agriculture. Planting of Moringa is promoted for improved nutrition and income generation through the sale of moringa powder and processing of seeds for oil. The trees are droughtresistant, leaves provide nutritious food for livestock and can provide tree cover in deforested areas like Bamba and Ganze.

Moringa has been named 'the tree of life' as it contains a mix of essential amino acids, antioxidants and natural antibacterial compounds that work in the same way as many antiinflammatory drugs. Moringa leaves contain two times the amount of protein of yogurt; four times the amount of vitamin A as carrots; three times the amount of potassium as bananas; four times the amount of calcium as cows' milk; seven times the amount of vitamin C as oranges.

Malnutrition and lack of employment - especially for the youth are some of the main issues in Kilifi County, where 68% of the population live below the poverty line. Some of the development indicators showcase the challenges to overcome: 77% of the population is under 34 years 48% of girls have their 1 child before they reach the age of 20 36% of families have 7+ members 36% have no formal education 39% of children suffer from malnutrition Only 31% of farmers hold land titles Deforestation: 1.9% forest cover against the 10% national standard The above are some of the reasons why KWETU Training Centre for Sustainable Development was established as a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) in 1997, making it one of the oldest NGOs at the Coast. It was founded by a group of friends who were concerned about the high unemployment, high poverty level, and environmental degradation in an otherwise resource-rich environment, which could benefit people if it was used sustainably.

Thus KWETU was founded with the following goals to achieve: Diversified and sustainable community livelihood bases Educated and skilled young people have knowledge and skills to

tap into the available natural resources and operate nature-based businesses. They use their knowledge to contribute to improved nutrition and food security. A healthy environment and better manage natural resources: The focus is to research on and develop local mechanisms including advocacy with an emphasis on ecosystems conservation. A community with the capacity to drive its own development in a dynamic environment.

The target is to strengthen the structural management and technical capacities of CBOs (and other organized groups) as drivers of change and development at the grassroots level.

Population and health of the community are enhanced through manageable families in relation to the resources at their disposal.

To reach these goals KWETU aims to provide a good practice center for learning about appropriate technology and conservation. Our three months comprehensive course offers technical training including Entrepreneurship and Life skills; we train short technical courses including extension services eg in beekeeping, mariculture, processing of neem and moringa to soaps, candles, and other products.

We provide internships and research opportunities in cooperation with Universities.

In addition, we offer marketing services to producers whether individuals or groups.

To reach these goals KWETU aims to provide a good practice centre for learning about appropriate technology and conservation. Our three months comprehensive course offers technical training including Entrepreneurship and Life skills; we train short technical courses including extension services e.g in beekeeping, mariculture, processing of neem and moringa to soaps, candles, and other products.

We provide internships and research opportunities in cooperation with Universities.

In addition, we offer marketing services to producers whether individuals or groups.

Our visitors’ program offers a day of fun and environmental education for schools and other groups.

Please contact KWETU on info@kwetukenya.org or Mobile +254 724 926 756 and get more information about our work on www.kwetukenya.org or our facebook page.

Diani Beach Vehicle & Equipment Rentals is a new business addition to Diani Beach that offers vehicle rentals, construction equipment rentals, and tours to beautiful parts of the south coast and Mombasa. We have mountain bikes, motorbikes, cars and trucks available for short or long term rentals and also offer car hire services, as well as airport and train station transfers. Our specially customized tours with mountain bikes or off-road motorbikes can take you to an amazing sunset at Kongo river or a more challenging ride to African Pool. Other places you can visit include village rides, Kaya forest, Gazi Bay, Wasini Island, and Shimba Hills.

If you are busy with construction or planning to build your dream home then you don’t have to worry about equipment as we provide a variety of equipment and tools from concrete mixers, conveyors, power saws, power drills, concrete vibrators, compactors, pressure washers and generators. We promise professional and reliable service accompanied by high quality and well-maintained products.

Visit Diani Beach Vehicle and Equipment Rentals – based along Diani Beach Road next to the entrance to Chandarana Supermarket for all your vehicle and equipment rental needs.

Tel: +254 768 444 444 Email: info@dbvrt.com www.dbvrt.com

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