Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Secretariat is pleased to announce the unanimous resolution of the six member counties to appoint H.E Granton Samboja as the new Chairman of the Coastal Regional Economic Bloc for a two year term (2021 – 2023)
During the meeting attended by Governors H.E Hassan Joho – Mombasa County, H.E Amason Kingi – Kilifi County, H.E Dhadho Godhana – Tana River and H.E Granton Samboja – Taita Taveta County, a brief on the status of the projects and progress of JKP was presented by Emmanuel Nzai , CEO, JKP Secretariat.
The Governors noted the significant socio-economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and resolved on the urgent need for the regional Economic Bloc to be strengthened and more efforts made in joint regional programs, resource mobilization and investments.
The Governors also received a Cashewnut industry revival proposal from Empowering Farmers Foundation (EFF) Chairman, Mr. Mahesh Patel. The collaboration seeks to empower small holder farmers by reviving the dormant cashew value chain in the Kenyan Coast region. Dubbed the KOROSHO NI MAISHA PROJECT, the project aspires to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of 350,000 farmer households in Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Mombasa and aims to transform the rural Kenyan coastal economy by increasing production to over 300,000 Metric Tonnes worth Kshs. 40 Billion annually by 2030. The partnership is to involve equipping smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills required to transition from subsistence farming to semi-commercialization.
H.E Granton Samboja, thanked his colleagues and appreciated the former Chairman, H.E Salim Mvurya – Kwale County for the strong partnerships and foundation he shepherded in his term.
The new Chairman pledged to work closely with the JKP Secretariat and the Governors to convene sector meetings across the counties with a view to strengthen regional cooperation.
