Kilifi leaders, elders call for enhanced protection of Kaya natural resources

Kilifi leaders and Kaya elders have called for stronger protection measures for the natural resources within the Kayas, citing extensive damage largely due to illegal logging and environmental degradation.

At the Chenda Chenda festival, celebrating the Mijikenda traditions in Kayafungo, both leaders and elders expressed their concerns.

Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Investment, pledged support for cultural and traditional activities along the coastal region to ensure their preservation for future generations.

He noted that the Cabinet had already passed legislation to recognise cultural practices.

Zamzam Mohammed, the Women Representative for Mombasa, also highlighted the importance of maintaining indigenous cultures, saying, "Our traditions are what keep us healthy. Adhering to foreign customs leads to the deterioration of our own practices. By sticking to our traditions, we learn how to live harmoniously."

Kaya elder Mzee Juma Bwana expressed concern about the harmful effects of continued environmental destruction. He emphasised the responsibility to protect the forests, as past generations had done, and urged for an immediate halt to illegal logging and mining activities to ensure the preservation of these natural resources for future generations.

Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire reinforced the need for adherence to both county and national forest protection laws.

“There are laws at both devolved and international levels aimed at protecting forests, not only in the Kayas but across all gazetted protected areas," Mwambire said.

He added, "We are astonished that people continue to cut down trees or mine stones in these areas. These activities are illegal, and we do not want to see them anymore."

Elder Mzee Mohamed Khamis supported Mwambire's views, urging the community to unite in addressing environmental degradation.

He highlighted the destruction of forests as a serious threat to both the environment and cultural heritage, calling for stronger measures to prevent further harm.

The appeal to protect the Kayas reflects a larger dedication to preserving Kenya's cultural heritage and natural environment from persistent threats.