Nairobi — The clamour for autonomy of the Coast has become louder with some local leaders vowing not to rest until they achieve this.

Lands assistant minister Gonzi Rai and his Education counterpart Calist Mwatela said the issue was no longer about the majimbo system but complete autonomy.

They said this was being fuelled by the government's failure to honour an agreement at independence on land between former President Jomo Kenyatta and the Sultan of Zanzibar.

"Unlike elsewhere, land at the Coast is government property, making it easy for individuals to grab huge chunks while thousands of locals remain squatters.

"These injustices can only be addressed when the area secedes," said Mr Rai.

A meeting organised by Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) heard that the time for autonomy was ripe, especially at a time when the country was debating the best form of government to adopt.

Mr Mwatela said while the region contributes over Sh70 billion to the national coffers, its people remained the poorest.

Nominated MP Sheikh Dor said proponents of the idea should tread carefully.

"The idea will be difficult to sell to the government and we will also create enemies among some Coastal people who may view autonomy as a threat to their personal interests," he said.

Muhuri said calls for autonomy have come from various quarters, including the Coast Parliamentary Group, but there was no plan how the system would operate.

Muhuri executive director Hussein Khalid said the Coast had unique problems.

"The region is unique in that locals cannot own and till land," he said.

He said Muhuri wanted a system similar to Zanzibar, which is semi-autonomous in the union of Tanzania.

"The semi-autonomous Coast would have a president elected by its people and a Coast parliament which should not exceed 75 members," he said.

A convention bringing together representatives of all the communities and interest groups and a massive public awareness have been planned.