Coast leaders have said the formation of the proposed Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (Commonwealth of Coast Counties) is on course.

The outfit will comprise all governors, senators, MPs, county assembly leaders of majority, minority leaders, speakers, academicians, religious and business leaders.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, who chairs the operationalisation committee, said the team had appointed Pwani University Vice Chancellor Mohamed Rajab to chair the committee that will spearhead the formation of the proposed Pwani Development Bank.

Mvurya, who was flanked by Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, said yesterday his committee has also appointed Taita Taveta Woman Rep Joyce Lay to chair a committee that will be tasked with the formation of the Coast Tourism Development Board.

Mvurya said the efforts were meant to uplift their living standards. He spoke at the Tamarind Resort in Mombasa after a consultative meeting.

Joho said Coast counties will pool financial resources to start the regional bank and invite locals to invest in it.