Coast leaders on Saturday recommended 16 resolutions they want included in the final Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
Review of historical injustices on land is among the key issues put forward by the Kilifi Governor, Amason Kingi during the third BBI mobilization rally at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park.
They also want the full implementation of TJRC and Ndungu Land Commission reports and creation of Regional Land Authority with quasi-judicial powers to deal with land issues at the coast.
Speaking on behalf of coast leaders at the meeting, which was attended by 24 governors, several senators and members of parliament, Kingi said the government should consider buying land from absentee landlords and resettle affected communities.
The rally, which was presided by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga was attended by thousands of residents from Mombasa and other parts of coast region.
Among the leaders who attended the rally were opposition leaders, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetang’ula of Ford- Kenya.
Other recommendations by coastal leaders included the creation of the Ministry of Blue Economy at the national level with a Cabinet Secretary from the region.
They proposed provision of economic stimulus package for key growth sectors, such as blue economy, tourism, transport and logistics.
They also want the revamping of collapsed cotton, coconut, cashew nuts, rice and sugar industries, which they said, will help to create employment and reduce poverty in the region.
Kingi said the national government should strengthen county and community participation in the security of the region.
He said the region was in total support of the creation of the post of a powerful Prime Minister and two Deputies, and establishment of Regional Federal Governments to run concurrently with County Governments.
Other recommendations presented by the leaders from the region are, inclusivity in the national government and equal distribution of national resources.
By Mohamed Hassan
