Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has backed the establishment of a national compensation and reparations framework for victims of human rights violations, terming the process long overdue and critical to restoring justice for affected families.

Speaking during an iftar dinner hosted by the Orange Democratic Movement Youth League in Mombasa, the ODM Deputy Party Leader welcomed the recent communiqué by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on the development of a structured reparations framework.

Nassir said many families, particularly in the Coast region, continue to suffer the lasting impact of past injustices, stressing that compensation must go beyond financial payouts.

“This process is both necessary and long overdue. For many families across the Coast, the pain of past violations remains fresh,” he said.

He added that a credible framework should incorporate broader measures including rehabilitation, truth-telling and guarantees of non-repetion.

"The acknowledgment by KNCHR that reparations must go beyond monetary compensation is an important and progressive step,” Nassir noted.

The Mombasa Governor reaffirmed ODM’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to ensure that victims are not excluded due to lack of information or access to justice systems.

“Access to justice must not be theoretical. It must be practical, accessible, and responsive to the realities of our people,” he said.

He revealed that ODM leadership in the Coast region will work closely with youth structures to support victims in filing claims and navigating the process.

“We will establish structured support mechanisms to assist victims and their families in lodging their claims with KNCHR,” he stated.

Nassir also raised concern over victims of protest-related violations, many of whom are young people, calling for targeted support to ensure their voices are heard.

“No Kenyan should be denied justice because they lack information, resources, or access,” he said.

At the same time, he urged the government to fast-track funding for the reparations programme, warning that delays could undermine public confidence.

"A credible reparations framework must be backed by adequate resources if it is to inspire public confidence and deliver meaningful outcomes,” he said.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s construction sector is entering one of its most consequential periods.

At the centre of this transformation is the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a continent-wide initiative designed to close critical infrastructure gaps by 2040 through more than 400 priority projects spanning energy, transport, ICT, and transboundary water systems.

With over $360 billion committed, PIDA represents not just a pipeline of projects, but a blueprint to unlock regional integration, industrialisation, and long-term economic growth across Africa.

This unprecedented scale of ambition, however, places delivery capability under the microscope. As governments accelerate infrastructure investment, new research from Project Management Institute (PMI) warns that the region faces a 57% talent gap in construction project professionals by 2035, one of the highest growth rates globally.

Demand for construction project professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise from about 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, leaving a shortfall of nearly 150,000 professionals. The challenge is part of a broader global trend, with PMI estimating that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be needed worldwide by 2035 to meet growing infrastructure demand.

The report underscores a defining paradox in the region’s growth story: construction is one of the most powerful contributors to GDP expansion and job creation, yet it remains one of the most complex and waste-prone sectors of the economy.

PMI data shows that approximately 10% of global project investment is lost annually due to poor performance. In a region deploying hundreds of billions of dollars into infrastructure, that inefficiency translates into billions in unrealised value.

“Construction sits at the heart of the region’s development ambitions,” says George Asamani, Managing Director, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “From transport corridors and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare, and digital connectivity, projects are the vehicles through which we build our future. But without the right project management capabilities, we risk delays, cost overruns, rework, and, ultimately, lost value.”

That urgency is underscored by the pace of activity on the ground. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, large-scale infrastructure investment is accelerating, driven by demographic growth, urban expansion, and regional trade integration. PMI’s research identifies the region as having the highest percentage growth in demand for construction project professionals globally.

Countries such as Ethiopia are leading this surge, with projected annual demand growth rates of 7.8%, among the highest worldwide.

Construction projects are inherently complex, involving one of the largest stakeholder mixes of any industry, including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, communities, environmental bodies, and international partners, among others. Misalignment among these groups can lead to inefficiencies, duplication, and costly rework.

The report highlights that inadequate communication and collaboration remain persistent challenges, often resulting in financial waste and subpar outcomes.

In an industry where design and scope changes are common, poor coordination between on-site and off-site teams can quickly escalate into delays and budget overruns.

“Construction is highly visible and deeply scrutinised,” Asamani adds. “Every bridge, hospital, or power plant carries public expectations. When projects go wrong, the impact is felt not just financially, but socially and politically. That is why professional project management is not a luxury, it is what safeguards value, protects public funds and ensures infrastructure delivers its intended impact.”

While construction continues to fuel GDP growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, it has historically lagged behind other industries in productivity and technology adoption. PMI’s research highlights digitalisation, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, and artificial intelligence, as critical levers to unlock efficiency, improve transparency, and reduce costly rework and waste.

Employers report shortages in core project management competencies such as scheduling, planning, and resource optimisation, alongside essential power skills including communication, collaborative leadership, and stakeholder engagement. At the same time, infrastructure financing is increasingly tied to ESG standards, carbon management, and responsible procurement, creating demand for project leaders who can integrate sustainability into delivery from day one.

Closing the construction talent gap will require more than accelerated recruitment; it demands a deliberate strategy to retain, develop, and elevate project professionals over the long term.

PMI’s research underscores that improving working conditions, investing consistently in professional development, and creating structured career pathways for emerging and mid-career professionals are essential to building a resilient talent pipeline. Specialised training and certifications, such as Construction Professional (PMI-CP), are helping equip professionals with the skills required to manage the growing complexity of modern infrastructure projects, alongside thought leadership and professional networks that enable practitioners to continuously strengthen their capabilities.

“If we want infrastructure to be a true engine of GDP growth, we must professionalise the way we deliver it. We cannot afford to treat training as a cost. It is an investment in national competitiveness,” Asamani concludes.

The Coast People’s Team (CPT) has come out to defend the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), over the ongoing recruitment drive affirming that the process is being conducted in line with the law and established procedures.

In a statement issued by CPT Human Rights Defenders Programmes Coordinator Evans Momanyi, the group said it had taken note of a recent press alert raising concerns about the recruitment process, terming the claims misleading.

"We wish to firmly reassure the public that therecruitment process at KPA is being conducted in full compliance with the Constitution of Kenya, relevant public service regulations, and established institutional procedures,” said Momanyi.

He emphasized that the exercise adheres to key constitutional principles, including transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and meritocracy as outlined in Articles 10, 27, 47, and 232 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, KPA has put in place clear and accessible communication channels to ensure all qualified applicants are well-informed and given equal opportunity.

"The Kenya Ports Authority has consistently maintained clear and accessible communication channels through its official platforms, including public notices and verified announcements, to ensure that all qualified applicants are well-informed and accorded equal opportunity,” Momanyi added.

He dismissed allegations of secrecy in the process, warning that such claims risk causing unnecessary panic among applicants and the public.

"Any claims suggesting a lack of transparency or access to information are misleading and risk creating unnecessary anxiety among applicants and the general public,” he said.

The CPT further called on stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to exercise responsibility and seek clarification through official channels before issuing statements that could undermine confidence in public institutions.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has donated Iftar food supplies worth KSh 3.35 million to support Muslim communities during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Speaking during the Iftar food donation ceremony held at the KPA headquarters in Mombasa on Monday, Managing Director William  Ruto said the initiative reflects the authority’s solidarity with Muslims observing the sacred month.

 “At Kenya Ports Authority, we take pride in standing together in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this sacred month of Ramadan.”

He noted that Ramadan is a period of spiritual reflection, discipline and charity, emphasizing the importance of supporting vulnerable members of society during the fasting period.

“Muslims across the globe are observing the holy month of Ramadan, a key pillar of the Islamic faith a month in which the faithful commit their time to intensified prayers, reflection, charity and conviction,” he said.

The KPA MD explained that the food donations are intended to assist families who may struggle to secure meals for breaking the fast, enabling them to continue with their evening prayers and devotions.

“It is with this understanding that the Kenya Ports Authority has consistently supported disadvantaged Muslim communities during the holy month, recognizing that there are families that face challenges in securing Iftar meals,” he stated.

According to Ruto, the authority has sustained the initiative for the past three years under his leadership as part of its broader community outreach program.

“You will recall that for the last three years under my leadership we have consistently been giving Iftar food supplies to organizations and community-based organizations within the region,” he said. “This year… we are today donating food supplies worth KSh 3,350,000.”

The donation will benefit 25 organizations, including the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Mombasa Madrasa Teachers Welfare, the Assembly Ulamaa & Imaams and the Kenya Muslim Women Alliance, among other community groups and learning institutions.

Ruto said the program aligns with the authority’s core value of community care and social responsibility.

“At the Kenya Ports Authority, our initiatives are anchored in our strong core value, ‘We Care’, a statement that reflects how we engage with communities in responding to their needs,” he said.

He added that the partnership with religious leaders and community organizations would help reach more families across the region.

“KPA remains committed to investing in programs that promote dignity, unity and human welfare,” he said. “I trust that our partnerships between religious leaders and community organizations will go a long way in promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

The launch of the Warembo na Faya Movement in Mombasa has kicked off a new mobilisation drive aimed at rallying support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki ahead of the 2027 Kenyan General Election.

The movement was officially unveiled during an event held at the Hursler Centre, where leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Women League used the occasion to reject calls for political zoning in the county. They insisted that all political parties should be free to field candidates for every elective seat.

The event was led by the movement’s National Chairperson Joyce Lei, who commended the Mombasa chapter for taking the lead in launching the initiative. She noted that although the movement has not yet been formally unveiled in Nairobi, the enthusiasm displayed by the Mombasa team was encouraging.

“We want to bring everyone into this movement so that we can mobilise enough voters for our President and his deputy,” Lei said.

She also dismissed calls by some leaders suggesting that former Hassan Ali Joho should be considered for the Deputy President position in 2027, saying the current administration remains united behind Kindiki.

“We know our deputy president in 2027 is Kithure Kindiki. We have not been told otherwise. People have a democratic right to lobby, but for now we know Kindiki is our deputy,” she stated.

Mombasa County Coordinator of the Warembo na Faya Movement Swabrina Kanini said the group will intensify grassroots mobilisation to boost support for the Kenya Kwanza administration in the coastal region.

“During the last election we performed well here in Mombasa by getting over 40 percent. In the coming general election we are targeting over 80 percent. We do not want zoning in Mombasa,” Kanini said.

Meanwhile, Mombasa UDA Women League Chairperson Fatuma Barayan criticised leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for advocating zoning arrangements in the county, saying the proposals contradict the spirit of the broad-based government currently in place.

“We know our friends in the broad-based government say there should be no zoning, but we want to remind them that we will field candidates for all positions from Governor to Members of County Assembly across the county,” she said.

Barayan also urged women in the county to organise and actively participate in the political process, noting that leadership should address the challenges facing women without discrimination.

“Affirmative action funds must be shared fairly without malice. Currently we are seeing trends that are not encouraging. Women should not make the same mistake again in 2027,” she added.

The Warembo na Faya Movement is expected to roll out similar mobilisation campaigns in other counties as part of efforts to strengthen support for the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the next general election.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi has condemned the practice of sending students home over small remedial fees, saying no child should miss education because their parents cannot afford a few shillings.

Speaking during the Changamwe NG-CDF bursary cheque issuance ceremony, the legislator urged teachers and school administrators to be more considerate of the financial struggles many families are facing.

The event brought together parents, students, education officials and local leaders, with hundreds of needy learners receiving bursary support to help them continue with their studies.

Addressing the gathering, Mwinyi expressed concern that many students are often sent home for failing to pay remedial fees as low as KSh100, a practice he said must stop.

“No student should be chased away from school because of remedial fees. It is sad that in the morning you will find many students on the streets going back home after being sent away for failing to pay even one hundred shillings,” he said.

The MP noted that some parents struggle to even provide basic meals for their children, making it unrealistic to expect them to raise additional school levies.

There are parents who cannot even afford breakfast for their children, yet schools are forcing them to pay remedial fees. As teachers, you need to understand the situation many parents are going through,” he added.

Mwinyi, who previously worked as a teacher, said educators must show empathy and prioritize the welfare of learners.

"I was a teacher before joining politics and I never sent any student home because of fees. Sometimes I even stayed in school with the students to support them,” he said.

He emphasized that education should remain accessible to all children regardless of their family background.

The MP also announced plans to sponsor teachers from Changamwe to visit schools that consistently produce strong academic results so they can learn best practices.

“We will sponsor teachers from this constituency to visit areas that have been producing good results so that they can learn what their counterparts are doing differently,” he said.

According to Mwinyi, the initiative aims to help improve education standards and academic performance in schools across the constituency.

At the same time, the legislator acknowledged that the shortage of teachers remains a major challenge affecting learning in many schools.

"We are also engaging the relevant authorities to address the shortage of teachers from the Teachers Service Commission so that our schools can have adequate staff,” he said.

Mwinyi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), noting that bursaries play a key role in ensuring students from vulnerable families remain in school.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has dismissed claims of divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking to journalists in Changamwe, the Governor said political engagement in a democratic society should be allowed to proceed peacefully, but cautioned against attempts to portray internal divisions within the party.

Nassir was responding to questions regarding the planed visit by ODM leaders affiliated to the  Linda mwananchi group led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.

The Governor stated that ODM remains united under its leadership and rejected suggestions that there are factions within the party.

"There is only one ODM under the leadership of our Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga,” he said, dismissing narratives suggesting the existence of rival formations within the party.

Addressing the planned visit, Governor Nassir maintained that anyone is free to engage the public in a peaceful and lawful manner, adding that such political activities should not be sensationalized.

“In a democracy people are free to organize and present their views to the public. If they wish to come to Mombasa and speak to residents, they are free to do so provided it is done peacefully and within the law,” he said.

He emphasized that the people of Mombasa are politically aware and capable of listening to different viewpoints before making their own decisions.

"Let them come, have their say and the people will make their choice,” the Governor added, noting that the matter should not be blown out of proportion.

Governor Nassir further reiterated that the County Government remains focused on delivering services and advancing development programs for residents, calling on political leaders and supporters across the divide to maintain calm and respect for the law.

He stressed that Mombasa has long maintained a tradition of political maturity and tolerance even in moments of disagreement.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has  lauded the government for reforms that he says  have removed long-standing barriers that previously made it difficult for many Kenyans to obtain national identity cards and passports.

Speaking during an iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto in Mombasa, Nassir praised the administration for streamlining the process of acquiring national identity cards, saying the changes have brought relief to many families across the region.

“Mr President, your administration has made it easier for our people to obtain national identity cards,” Nassir said. “For that we commend you, and we promise that the people of this region will remember these efforts.”

Nassir said the county leadership is now preparing to expand its registration drive to reach more residents who have historically struggled to obtain identification documents.

Nassir said the first phase successfully issued about 9,000 IDs within one month, targeting residents who had previously been excluded.

“After Eid, we will begin the second phase to reach everyone, including elderly citizens and marginalized groups who have struggled for years to get an ID,” Nassir said. “This is not about politics, it is about justice and ensuring every person can access their rights.”

He added that identification documents are key to enabling residents to fully participate in civic processes and access government services.

“Access to IDs allows our people to exercise their rights,” Nassir said. “Once they have them, we will support voter registration to guarantee that every eligible resident can vote in upcoming elections.”

On his part Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the reforms have helped end years of frustration among Muslim communities who had long complained of discrimination during the ID application process.

“For a very long time there has been discrimination against our brothers from the Muslim community, especially when they were trying to get national identity cards,” Kingi said. “But since you came to power, that has become a thing of the past.”

Kingi also signaled a renewed political push from the Coast, saying leaders would rally residents to support the president in the next election cycle.

“We will now visit all areas across the Coast to rally support for you,” he said. “I want to assure you of our support. The votes that used to go to Raila Odinga will now be yours.”

President William Ruto has called on leaders from both the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to stop attacking each other and instead focus on delivering services to the people.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner hosted for Muslims in Mombasa, the President emphasized that political leaders carry a heavy responsibility to serve Kenyans and should avoid divisive politics.

The Head of State warned that constant political fights, insults and divisions among leaders only distract from the core mandate of serving citizens.

“We want our leaders in ODM and UDA to stop attacking each other. The responsibility you carry on your shoulders is that of serving the people. Stop the fights and focus on service delivery,” the President said.

He reminded leaders that Kenyans will judge them based on their development record and not on political insults or name-calling as the country moves closer to the next elections.

“Next year we willball be going for a test. Leaders will be judged by their track record and what they have been able to do for the people, not insults, name calling, tribalism or divisions,” he added.

The President further cautioned politicians against promoting tribal or divisive politics, noting that Kenyans are increasingly demanding unity and development-oriented leadership.

“Kenya will not allow a leader who divides people. Our country needs leaders who unite citizens and work for the benefit of all,” he said.