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In Kwale County, where the Digo and Duruma people weave their lives around the rhythm of the ocean, greetings are more than just words—they are a tradition, a way of life. A passerby does not simply walk on; before the road swallows your footsteps, you must Salam Alaikum, Shikamoo, or Ukasindadze. Relationships here are bound by deep, unwavering ties.
For generations, the Shimoni-Vanga Seascape has been the lifeblood of its people. Men cast their nets into the endless blue, hauling in their daily sustenance, while mama karanga stand at the shore, scaling, frying, and selling fish to keep their families afloat. It is an age-old dance that has survived over time.
Yet, the sea has changed. Overfishing, illegal practices, and dwindling stocks have threatened their way of life, forcing a shift in how the ocean is governed. The BMUs (Beach Management Units) were formed to bring order, but for years, leadership remained in the hands of the elderly—custodians of wisdom but often resistant to change.
Then came the spark of transformation that lit the fire in the youth, donor projects, conservation efforts, and financial literacy programs. Through COMRED's initiatives like the fisheries data collection and eco-credit project, they continuously learn data collection and how to interpret and make sense of that data to create awareness and make better decisions in sustainable fishing while involving and seeking alternative sources of livelihood. At first, these programs seemed like ripples on the surface. But beneath, they were shaping a new generation of leaders.
The recently held BMU elections are proof that the tides are turning. No longer are the youth just spectators—they are stepping up and taking the helm. Most newly elected BMU leaders are eco-credit executive committee representatives, eco-credit members, or fisheries data collectors. What once seemed like an older man's duty has become a shared responsibility.
The sea has always provided, but now, for the first time, the youth are not just taking from it—they are protecting it. With that, we can see the beginning of a new era of BMU leadership.
