Internal Security Principal
Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has called for renewed unity,
strategic leadership, and collaborative action among Coast leaders to anchor
development on the pillars of peace, justice, and inclusive progress.
He, at the same time, proposed the formation of a joint taskforce between the Lands Ministry and the Judiciary to fast-track land and political violence cases and urged support for amendments to laws governing hate speech and electoral conduct.
He called for synergy across government agencies, especially in the water, shipping, and marine sectors, to avoid duplication and enhance service delivery.
“We are here today not just as
representatives of our people, but as co-captains of our country’s future. Let
us lead with clarity, unity, and purpose. Let us bring healing, not hostility.
Hope, not helplessness,” he said.
Speaking during the Coast
Parliamentary Group (CPG) retreat held in Kisumu, the PS
emphasised the importance of aligning national government
priorities with regional aspirations to unlock the full potential of Kenya’s
coastal counties.
He reflected on the milestones
witnessed since the 61st Mashujaa
Day celebrations in Kwale, including the opening of the Dongo Kundu Bypass that
connects Mombasa Mainland with Kwale and the expansive potential of the Special
Economic Zone, expected to host over 10,000 businesses.
He further noted the progress in upgrading the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi Road, which is set to ease mobility and expand economic activities along the coastal belt.
The PS lauded the operationalisation of the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi and Tana River under a Public-Private Partnership model, describing it as a critical investment that will significantly boost food production and create employment opportunities for thousands of youths.
“These milestones exemplify the
Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the government’s vision of locally
rooted, inclusive development,” Dr. Omollo said.
He commended the inclusion of
national agencies in the retreat and praised MPs for taking a keen interest in
understanding and supporting their mandates.
He noted that many elected
leaders often neglect agency challenges, but the Coast Parliamentary Group’s
deliberate engagement sets a commendable example of responsive leadership.
He challenged the caucus to use
its strength, comprising 47 members, to push for critical regional priorities.
Referring to the high cost of electricity, Dr. Omollo urged MPs to engage the Ministry of Energy and advocate for long-term investments in solar power as a sustainable solution, particularly for powering essential services like water supply.
“Many families are forced to make tough choices between paying for water, school fees, or food. These are not just financial decisions, they are dignity decisions. We must make water services viable and affordable,” he emphasised.
The PS also addressed the
pressing need for infrastructure upgrades, particularly the stalled LAPSSET
road projects.
He noted that while progress
had been made, more must be done to secure funds and ensure
contractors return to the site.
“Let us seize the budget-making
process to secure what this region deserves. Strategic lobbying through your
leadership will unlock results,” he said, urging MPs to directly engage Cabinet
Secretaries and the Treasury to safeguard ongoing works.
Omollo stressed that while infrastructure lays the foundation, peace is what sustains development.
He cited the role of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) who have championed grassroots initiatives such as ensuring 99% transition from primary to secondary school in the Coast and enrolling over 1.6 million residents under the Social Health Authority.
Additionally, nearly 250,000 farmers have been registered in the national database, allowing for more efficient service delivery.
Security, he emphasised, must
go beyond boots on the ground.
Through community dialogues such as Jukwaa la Usalama, the Ministry has collected citizen feedback to inform inclusive and responsive security approaches.
Administrative services are being cascaded closer to the people through new units, government vehicle leasing, and the active involvement of chiefs in climate action campaigns.
Omollo further called on MPs to support legislative reforms that tackle political incitement, land injustice, boundary conflicts, and gender-based violence.
Present at the retreat was
Danson Mwashako, Chairman of the Coast Parliamentary Group, alongside Members
of Parliament from the six Coast Region counties.
The retreat provided a platform
to assess ongoing development projects, raise concerns, and chart practical
paths toward inclusive growth.
Mwashako said there can be no meaningful development without security, citing persistent boundary disputes and gun-related issues that demand urgent, collective responses.
