Coast will no longer be sidelined - Abdulswamad

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has reiterated that the Coast region will no longer be pushed to the margins of national decision-making.

This came following a meeting with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. 

The meeting was also attended by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho and members of the Coast Parliamentary Group.

Speaking after the engagement, Abdulswamad noted that the Coast has endured decades of marginalisation in national conversations.

"For far too long, our region has been pushed to the sidelines of national decision-making, with our significance talked down based on voting numbers. That era is coming to an end," he said.

He linked the same to the persistent under-documentation of residents and the resulting underrepresentation in national data and electoral registers. 

He noted that this historical injustice has weakened the region’s ability to assert its political, economic and social influence.

The governor said Coast leaders have now adopted a united and deliberate approach to overturn this pattern. 

He welcomed the Interior Ministry’s commitment to expedite the issuance of national identity cards and strengthen civil registration systems, describing the move as an important shift for the region.

“This is about recognition, dignity and equity,” he said. 

“When our people are properly documented, they are visible to the state. When they are visible, their numbers matter. And when our numbers matter, the Coast will take its rightful place in shaping national priorities and decisions.”

The meeting signals a renewed phase of cooperation between Coast leadership and the national government. 

According to the Governor, the partnership will centre on inclusion, fairness and equal citizenship. 

Abdulswamad added that the Coast will no longer accept being spoken for or spoken down to, insisting that the region is organised, resolute and ready to play a central role in Kenya’s future.

Murkomen acknowledged that there are more than 500,000 adults in the Coastal region who do not have national identity cards. 

"We will deploy live capture machines and work closely with leaders to ensure all eligible persons are registered so they can access government services," the CS said.