Coast, Kenya – The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CCSNH) is calling for a change in the way bursaries are distributed in the region, advocating for the exclusion of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from the process.

According to Kenya New Agency, the network monitors the budget cycle, including formulation, expenditure, and audit processes across the six coastal counties. CCSNH has closely followed the issuance of bursaries and identified several concerns. Adika highlighted that the network is working with the Abdulswamad Nassir administration to address these issues.

The group proposes that bursary distribution, particularly for the Mombasa County Elimu Fund, should be transparent and originate from educational institutions. They recommend the formation of committees at the Sub-County level to distribute forms, suggesting that ward administrators' offices could step in if needed. Adika emphasized that bursary funds should not be managed through MCA offices.

Adika argued that MCAs should focus on their constitutional oversight roles, maintaining separation of power between the executive and the assembly. The civil society has communicated its stance to both the Governor and the County Assembly Speaker, urging MCAs to avoid involvement in processes that might compromise their oversight responsibilities.

CCSNH raised concerns that MCAs' involvement in bursary distribution could lead to unfair practices, favoring their supporters over other deserving candidates. They urge fund administrators to report to the Office of the Auditor General and call on MCAs to fulfill their follow-up roles as mandated.

The network also advocates for the recruitment of professionals to administer the Elimu Funds, emphasizing the need for a non-political and professional approach in the selection process. Adika mentioned a specific incident in Changamwe constituency where chaos erupted last year during the distribution of bursary forms by an MCA.

Adika stressed that uniform and fair bursary issuance by the County Government could prevent favoritism and ensure a professional process that respects the educational needs of children and the development of county governance.

Mombasa, Kenya – Safaricom has launched the Coastal regional finals of the Chapa Dimba Football Tournament in Mombasa, accompanied by various community outreach programs aimed at improving local residents' lives.

According to Kenya New Agency, The outreach initiatives include free Medical Camps, Stakeholders' Engagement, and Players' and Coaches' Clinics, as well as Digital and Financial Literacy training. According to Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa, who inaugurated the event in Mtwapa, Safaricom's Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for talent scouts and coaches to identify new talent for Kenyan football leagues, while also aiming to train a total of 250 coaches. The football tournament focuses on young people aged 16 to 20 years old.

Mbetsa praised Safaricom and the Kilifi County Government for their efforts in organizing the community engagement project and encouraged the people of Kilifi to support their regional team at the Mbaraki Sports Club.

Jackson Mutua, Safaricom's Regional Head of Sales and Operations, expressed enthusiasm for launching the tournament's fifth edition. He highlighted Safaricom's mission to transform lives through nurturing young talent and engaging with the community to improve socioeconomic conditions.

"Soccer is essential for engaging youth constructively, developing their talent, and providing them exposure," Mutua added.

The tournament, established in 2017, features eight teams: four boys' teams and four girls' teams. The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday at Mbaraki Sports Club, with the winners advancing to Sunday's finals.

During the tournament, two boys and two girls will be chosen to join an all-star team, which will have the opportunity to participate in a ten-day training boot camp in Spain.

The Chapa Dimba tournament has been instrumental in producing notable players, including current FKF Kenya Premier League top scorer Benson Omala of Gor Mahia, David Majak of Tusker FC, Jentrix Shikangwa of Beijing, Jane Njeri, Cynthia Livondo, and Judith Osimbo.