summary_of_scra_activities.docx
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MARCH 2015   UPDATED MAY 2018          
 
SUMMARY OF  THE SOUTH COAST RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (SCRA) ACTIVITIES  IN THE LAST FEW YEARS
(in no particular order)
 
SCRA is a non-for profit, non-religious, non-political and multi ethnic Association whose mandate is to liaise with the local Government authorities, to act as a watch dog, to help provide and improve the social and communal services to which residents are entitled and to conserve and improve its environment.  Our new devolved Government is proving to be very accessible and forthcoming, and we look forward to our continued relationship with them.  SCRA represents over 1,000 people including residents, hoteliers, bankers, local businesses, fishermen, youth groups etc.
SCRA has a voluntary committee which include chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer and committee members. These positions are decided by way of nominations at an Annual General Meeting when they can be challenged/altered.
 
CURRENT SCRA COMMITTEE:  ( Note:  All Committee Members work on a voluntary basis)
 
Chairperson : Mrs Luciana Parazzi Basile
Vice-Chairperson : Mrs Hilary Martin
Secretary : Ms Nicole Thestorf
Treasurer :   Mrs Cindy Gagnepain 
Kwale Representative, Forestry, Conservation and EIA Expert : Mr Onesmus Macharia
Shimoni Representative& Education  : Mrs Sandra Ruysenaars
Security : Mr Nathan Bosire
Medical & Health & Kwale Water Rescue : Dr Stan Kinsch
German Community Representative & Liaison with Cottages & security:  Mrs. Birgit Rehfeld
Kwale Water Rescue & Local Communities : Mr Gerald Gambo
Legal & advice  : Ms Caroline Njogu
Legal & Advice : Ms Betty Muraya
 
1.   STRATEGY
 
A.   DIANI/UKUNDA ZONING PLAN:
SCRA and the local Kwale Physical Planning Department cooperated under the guidance of the Department of Physical Planning, Nairobi, to create a zoning plan for Diani/Ukunda.  This was adopted in 2012.
Remarks: Although this exercise was successful, sadly it was not implemented by the Kwale Physical Planning Department nor by NEMA.
 
B.   ILLEGAL STRUCTURES:
SCRA works in conjunction with our County Government, through the Sub County Administrator, and with NEMA, to tackling illegal structures especially on the beach with issues such as restaurants, beach walls etc.
Remarks:    This exercise is a no-go due to protection and non-cooperation by NEMA
 
 
C.   WATER:
SCRA chairperson representing residents and hoteliers of the South Coast was nominated onto the Committee of Kwale Water. Has since resigned
 
 
 
 
2.   ADVOCACY
 
                A.   MINING AT MRIMA HILL:
Mrima Hill Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1961, and made a nature reserve under the Forest Act in the early 1980s.  Mrima Hill is also a Kaya, recognized by the site’s gazettement as Mrima Hill Sacred Grove National Museum in 1992.  Mrima Hill is one of the oldest forests in the world, hosts rare tree species, rare bird species, a number of smaller wildlife including the endangered Colobus angolensis palliates monkey.   The SCRA Committee spent days going through the shoddy EIA which was presented for NEMA approval.  Together with Colobus Conservation, WWF, Kenya Forest Forum, Kwale County Natural Resources Network and others we attended the NEMA workshop and all shared our findings which were sent to the Director General of NEMA and to our Kwale County Governor. SCRA was instrumental in exposing the risk of radiation which could be caused by the mining project which had not been adequately addressed in the EIA.  The Mrima Hill area has a surrounding population of over 44,000 people and radiation could affect an area with a radius of over 250 km. SCRA brought this to public attention, requesting that a qualified expert be brought in to study radiation and its effects around this hill.  This was never forthcoming.
Remarks:  The project was stopped although rumours have it that there are some people interested in trying to mine the rare earths therein. SCRA is keeping a keen watch out on this as this area has strong radiation.
 
B.   FISHERMEN AT WAA – SAND MINING BY K.P.A.:
SCRA represented the fishermen during the NEMA EIA process as the sand mining had destroyed all their fishing grounds.  Although an unsatisfactory compensation for the fishermen was reached, two years down the line, they still have not been compensated.   
Remarks:  We are still fighting for the fishermen’s rights, but now the issue has flared up again as K.P.A. in conjunction with the Japanese want to mine sand again in Tiwi.  We have requested an on-site NEMA EIA meeting which is not forthcoming. Since writing this report, we understand the fishermen were finally compensated but not to their satisfaction.
 
C.   NOISE POLLUTION:
SCRA works in conjunction with our County Government, through our Sub-County Administrator in dealing with noise pollution.
Remarks:   On-going and very difficult to tackle although we have had some success in some areas.
 
D.   TRAWLER:
What was thought to be a trawler (and by the noise it was making it could only be that) was a nightly visitor right up close to our reef and disappearing at dawn. Not only was the 8 nautical mile rule not observed, but there were no fish for our local fishermen to catch, and it represented a huge security risk.  It was pointed out to our local Government that if a trawler could come so close, undetected and with impunity, then any terrorist group could do the same.
Remarks:  Not seen or heard for some time now but could come back.  Since writing this report trawlers have been detected at night close to our reefs, but thanks to cooperation between SCRA and Kenya Ports Authority this was immediately stopped.
 
E.   SAN DREDGER/HARVESTER IN DIANI:
SCRA was alerted by its members that a sand dredger/harvester was slowly moving along just off our reefs taking sand. The sand is required for the construction of the new railway line.  An alert was sent to all interested parties as this was going to cause huge ecological damages not only to our reefs, diving areas and mangrove forests, fishermen but also to our beaches.   Diani Beach has been voted the most beautiful beach in Africa. SCRA requested the company doing the EIA to convene a stakeholders workshop and recruited over 300 people from all walks of life, fishermen, marine experts/biologists, our Minister of Tourism Hon Adam Sheik, our County Government representative Bwana Hamisi Mwandaro,  K.W.S. etc. to attend this meeting where everybody voiced their concerns.  All turned down this project and requested the Chinese company to look elsewhere for their sand.
Remarks:  Meetings and workshops were held, many SCRA members helped us either by taking aerial photographs, tracking the ships, informing us when the dredgers were close to our reef, Mr Elias Kimaru of WWF and KCNRN and finally SCRA instructed their lawyer, Mr Felix Midikira, to take to Court the parties involved with our key figures having to go to Nairobi and testify in Court.  The road to having won the Court case against NEMA for a substandard Environmental Impact Assessment Report instead of a FULL STUDY and subsequently for issuing a licence to China Railway & Bridge Corporation (CRBC), was long and tortuous, full of deceit, lies, corruption and cover ups. Nobody in Government including KPA, KMA, KWS, and even journalists were allowed to speak to us and we felt abandoned and on our own.  The Court case started in late 2013 and suddenly on Friday 22nd January 2016 all the lawyers were requested to attend Court at 13.30 for the Magistrates’ judgement. The verdict was in our favour, we had won!! We won the case and the sand dredger was asked to leave the South Coast.  We have proved that whoever is behind any project, people and associations should not be intimidated and should fight for their rights.  IT CAN BE DONE and we hope that many other organisations will follow suit. (a full report on this issue can be obtained from the Chairperson)
 
 
3.   HEALTH & SAFETY
 
A.   ROAD SAFETY – REFLECTIVE STRIPS ON BODA BODA’s:
So far over 2,000 boda bodas in Diani/Ukunda/Ngombani/Kwale/Msambweni  have had reflective strips put on their boda bodas with a view to making them more visible especially at night, and reducing road traffic accidents. During this exercise boda boda drivers are taught a bit on road safety and caution.
Remarks:   Exercise was completed as funds to purchase more reflectors not available. It was noted at the police station where all accident boda boda are kept, very few had reflective tapes which means exercise was successful.
 
B.   SPEED BUMPS:
For the convenience of road users, SCRA painted the new speed bumps erected along Diani Beach Road and near Nakumatt.
 
C.   GARBAGE:
A constant headache!  SCRA works in conjunction with Mash Cleaners, Health Office and the County Government through the Sub-County Administrator, in trying to stop individuals from dumping garbage along the road, on our beaches, in the forests or footpaths or even empty plots.  Not only is such garbage an eye sore but it attracts baboons, flies, mosquitoes and crows and is a complete health hazard as this brings various diseases.
Remarks:   On-going.
 
D.    FIRES:
SCRA and Security Group (who are also represented on the SCRA Committee) are normally the first to be informed of a fire outbreak and are always on the forefront in helping extinguish it.  The Ukunda Airstrip fire engine is called as are hotels with mobile fire fighting equipment etc.  We try to help with the fire but also give assistance to anybody in need.
Remarks:   Since writing this report, we now have additional 2 fire engines in our area.  However, since SCRA are normally called, and if the fire is not massive, we receive first class immediate response from Security Group who work closely with our Association.
 
 E.   EYE SCREENING FOR FISHERMEN:
This is a yearly exercise carried out by SCRA in conjunction with Kwale District Eye Centre.  We raise funds for this and normally about 100 fishermen have their eyes tested.  Eye drops, spectacles or sun glasses are given to them and in some cases cataract surgery is performed. This free annual service has resulted in sight saving operations.
Remarks:   Yearly exercise on going.
 
F.   CREMATORIUM:
SCRA assisted and represented its members living in Diani North who live next to the then proposed crematorium. Many of these members are Muslims and they objected to a crematorium near their homes and in the manner in which the EIA was carried out without prior consultation with them.  This issue is now over – no crematorium!
 
G.   ILLEGAL PETROL STATION:
SCRA was alerted that a container had been placed in a parking lot near Diani Beach Hospital and was to be a petrol station!  This was deemed as highly dangerous as the petrol was stored inside the container under the hot sun (and not underground as per the law), it was operated by a generator and was right next to a KP&L transformer. In other words – a bomb waiting to explode!  SCRA alerted our County Authorities and Sub-County Administrator.
Remarks:   The owners of the container were refused any rights or permits to operate and were told to remove everything. This was eventually done.
 
 MEDICAL: 
SCRA through Committee Member Dr Stan Kinsch,  coordinates efforts of local charities to help the service delivery of medical and charitable institutions. For example, Kwale County now has a telemedicine system whereby the 3 District Hospitals of Msambweni, Kwale and Kinango are now connected via a simple telemedicine system using Whatsapp and smartphones donated by the EAWL.  Also, money collected during the annual Red Dress Run of the Hash House Harriers is distributed through Dr Stan to different charities like the Kwale School `for the Blind, the Kwale School for mentally handicapped, the Diani Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy, the SOCOFAS dispensary and others. On going with huge improvements to this hospital.
 
I.   BLOOD GROUP DATA:
SCRA maintains a Blood Group Data so that in case of emergency SCRA contacts members who are able to donate a particular type of blood. SCRA also cooperates with the Kenya Red Cross of Ukunda.
 
4.   COLLABORATION
 
                A.    COMMON HOTEL SIGNBOARDS AT BARCLAYS JUNCTION:
These signboards had been appreciated by first time visitors to Diani, indicating hotels in the South and North of Diani and how many km away. SCRA is on the forefront in trying to beautify Diani and its surroundings and helping to remove old, rusted and out of date signboards.
Remarks:   One of the signboards was removed by Kwale County Government when trying to open the beach access by the junction.  Some hitches have delayed this project and KCG still has our common hotel signboards for Diani South.  Promised to return them to us, but still not done so, so once again this is on hold.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B.   BEAUTIFYING ROUNDABOUTS AT THE NAKUMATT JUNCTION:
As a result of past controversies these three roundabouts were neglected, looking scruffy, overgrown and dirty.  SCRA has taken over the maintenance of these roundabouts, planted new shrubs and flowers, and made the area look attractive.
Remarks:   SCRA has since pulled out as no cooperation from KCG and also vehicles crashing into the plants and pedestrians throwing their rubbish.
 
5.   SECURITY:
SCRA together with Security Group who are represented on our Committee, work in conjunction with our local Police  on security issues.
Remarks:   Always on-going.
 
6.   SOCIAL
 
A.   NEWSLETTER:
Every two months SCRA produces a very popular Newsletter highlighting many issues and advertising businesses.
Remarks:   Due to much information posted on various Whatsup groups, the Newsletter has been suspended.
 
B.   EMAIL INFORMATION:
SCRA constantly keeps their members informed of what is going on all the time, reminding members of due payments such as Land Rent and Land Rates, assists on NSSF, NHIF, informs them of new laws and of events taking place.
Remarks: On going
 
C.   FISHERMEN’S REGATTA (NGALAWA REGATTA)
SCRA plays an integral part in the organisation of the annual Fishermen’s Regatta together with Mr Gerald Gambo of SCCEA.   This event brings the local community, residents and tourists together and provides a showcase for local women’s groups to promote their craft, food and culture. At the same time spectators enjoy watching fishermen racing their ngalawas.  This celebration of local culture could be the forerunner to a bigger event such as a festival. On going as this is an annual event
 
D.    CHARITIES & SPORTS:
SCRA  is a strong believer that SPORTS UNITES, and accordingly supports several Charity Groups by either  participating in events or purchasing goods for an event.  These include the annual Diani Rules an event organised by the Kwale District Eye Center.  SCRA had in the past supported and funded a football initiative with youths from Ukunda,  combining this with a “Keep Ukunda Clean” project but sadly due to post election violence this project came to a halt. SCRA is therefore glad to support the Pirates Rugby Team in its endeavours to join up the local community.
 
7.   INCENTIVES:
DISCOUNTS: SCRA negotiates with various establishments for discounts to SCRA members.  A list of such establishments is updated and sent out to members, plus posted in our web page.
Remarks:   Ongoing
 
 
 
8.   CONSERVATION & FOREST MANAGEMENT
SCRA has always actively lobbied for environmental conservation as well as sustainable exploitation of forests.
Some of the activities that the SCRA has actively participated in this regard are:
 
A.   LOBBYING AGAINST COMPLETE FELLING OF PINE PLANTATIONS IN THE SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
The Shimba Pine plantations cover approximately 700 hectares.  In the year 2010, the Kenya Forest Service quietly offered these plantations for harvesting through clear-felling within a period of six (6) months without any EIA being undertaken. SCRA joined other concerned parties including the Kenya Wildlife Service, Shimba Support Group and SHICOFA to oppose this ecological disaster in the making. The harvesting was shelved and the Shimba Forest was saved, at least for the time being.
 
B.   TRAINING OF TURLTLE MONITORS IN WATAMU:
In 2014, realising the dangers turtles face on the South Coast from beach operators , sea walls, beach restaurants etc. ), the  SCRA embarked on a campaign to train turtle monitors in Watamu at Watamu Turtle Watch at a cost of Ksh 10,000 per monitor. These monitors then come back to educate the beach operators on how to treat turtles, as well as collect turtle eggs from vulnerable sites to safe havens for successful hatching. They also rescue any turtles found in dangerous situations such as being entangled in fishermen’s nets. By the end of 2014, a total of 922 eggs had been translocated to safe sites and 813 hatchlings safely made it to the Indian Ocean.
Remarks : Always on going and getting more and more successful
 
 
C.   SUPPORTING THE CONSERVATION OF THE SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE:
SCRA is a member of the Shimba Support Group (SSG). This is a group of like-minded people coming together to support the management of the Shimba Hills Ecosystem through conservation activities and donating their membership funds  for specific activities within the Shimba Hills.
Remarks: Sadly this group has since folded up
 
 
D.   SUPPORT TO THE COLOBUS CONSERVATION INITIATIVE:
Colobus Conservation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit organisation to promote conservation of the Colobus angolensis monkeys and address the threats to its survival. The organization works in partnership with local communities to promote the conservation of the Colobus, along with other endemic primate species, and the unique coastal forest habitat on which they depend. Today Colobus Conservation programmes focus on habitat conservation and community linkages as well as human/primate conflict management, welfare, education and research. The activities of the Colobus Conservation initiative ensures that our remaining coastal forest patches are conserved as far as possible, while protecting the endangered species and resolving human – primates conflicts along the South Coast.
SCRA is an active supporter of the Colobus Conservation initiative through fund raising and actively participating in the activities of the organisation.
 
 
 
E.   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN  ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION:
Whenever called upon to do so, SCRA participates in any environmental legislation processes through its designated members. Last year, the organisation participated in the making of the Wildlife Act 2013 and the review of the Mining and Minerals Bill of 2011.
SCRA will continue to advocate for a clean environment for South Coast, and sustainable development that safe guards our natural resources.
 
9.   KWALE WATER RESCUE
Witnessing several people drowning in our Ocean and being helpless to assist, SCRA member Mr Denis Moser started, in 2015, lobbying for a water rescue project.  Representatives of the Kwale County Government and members of the South Coast Residents Association led by Chairperson Luciana Parazzi Basile agreed to establish an effective partnership program to prevent drowning tragedies and provide emergency rescue services to help save lives along our beaches, ocean and in swimming pools. Our shared deep concern for the numerous, yet preventable, tragic deaths of so many children, young people, fishermen and others that had occurred in past years drove us all to take immediate action and thus Kwale Water Rescue was established.
Remarks: Today, KWR is well established, many lives have been saved, several life savers along our beaches have been employed, and thanks to Friends of Kwale Water Rescue, assisted by Base Titanium, the project is fast successfully moving forward.
 
10.   INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN UP DAY
On 16th September 2017 SCRA was involved in organising a complete beach clean-up for the above, going from Tiwi up to Funzi.  SCRA involved many of our local stakeholders including hotels, groups, Colobus Conservation, Friends of Kwale Water Rescue, SCCEA, school children and various groups.  Although this was our first attempt and made a few mistakes which we will rectify for the September 2018 event, the day was a great success.

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