Calling Back Life in Kokotoni: How a Community Found Its Voice
Written by: Elphic Tossi, Founder and Director, OneMillionTrees4Kilifi
For years, the communities of Kokotoni and Rabai in Kilifi County endured the harsh realities of limestone mining. Daily blasts shook their homes, dust blanketed their villages, and abandoned quarries left dangerous scars on the landscape. Respiratory illnesses became common, schools struggled with dusty classrooms, and local clinics treated mounting cases of coughs and chest infections linked directly to mining pollution.
Despite this overwhelming impact, many residents felt powerless. They lacked crucial information about their environmental rights and the legal protections available to them. Efforts to organize and establish a Community Development Agreement (CDA) were repeatedly thwarted by intimidation and misinformation. Mining was something the community was forced to live with silently.
That silence broke with the launch of the “Calling Back Life in Kokotoni” project by OneMillionTrees4Kilifi.
The project started by simply listening. Through village meetings, home visits, and honest conversations, residents shared their stories. Elders recalled how fertile lands had slowly turned into dusty mining zones. Mothers spoke of fears for their children’s health, while youth voiced concerns about the environmental damage and an uncertain future.
One message was clear: the community needed more than visibility. They needed ways to truly have an impact on decisions about their land, health, and future.
Community screenings as a tool for collective action
The project team responded by organising awareness sessions to educate residents about Community Development Agreements and their rights under Kenya’s mining laws. For many, it was the first time they learned that mining companies are legally required to engage communities and contribute to local development—covering health, education, infrastructure, environmental restoration, and economic opportunities.
To amplify these voices, the project produced a documentary showing the real human impact of mining in Kokotoni and Rabai. The film revealed abandoned quarries, damaged homes, polluted environments, and heartfelt testimonies from affected families. But above all, it showcased the community’s resilience and determination to reclaim justice and dignity.
Community screenings of the documentary became powerful moments of connection and dialogue. Villagers saw their stories on screen for the first time, sparking conversations that had long been silenced. Fear gave way to collective action.
Reclaiming the future
With growing awareness and confidence, the community successfully formed its first-ever Community Development Agreement structure, a historic milestone that had eluded them for years. What once seemed impossible was now within their reach.
Today, Kokotoni stands as a shining example of community-driven environmental justice. Residents are informed, organised, and confident advocates for their rights. The CDA process has unlocked opportunities for better schools, improved health services, environmental restoration, and fair sharing of mining benefits.
The true success of “Calling Back Life in Kokotoni” isn’t just in the documentary or the meetings—it’s in restoring the community’s voice, long ignored but now strong and clear. This was also marked by the gazettement of the CDA. In practice this marks its formal publication in the Kenya Gazette, giving the Community Development Agreement legal force and establishing a representative committee to secure community benefits, oversee development, and ensure accountability from resource developers. A big win for the community and their rights.
Thank you to the Haki Yetu Project for supporting this journey of transformation. Together, we are helping communities like Kokotoni reclaim their future.
OneMillionTrees4Kilifi receives funding through the Civic Action & Community Empowerment Grant (CACEG)of the Haki Ni Yetu project. The Haki Ni Yetu project is funded by the EU Delegation to Kenya. You can learn more about the project here: https://kios.fi/en/haki-ni-yetu/
This page is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of of the KIOS Foundation & The Haki Ni Yetu project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.