President Uhuru Kenyatta has been on a working tour in Mombasa where he has unveiled several projects that will see the coastal region experience economic growth.
The projects are not only aimed at improving the coastal region but the outcomes will have a ripple effect to the country’s economy.
In his coastal visit, the President unveiled Port Reitz/Moi International Airport access road which will connect the Mombasa port and Moi International Airport.
During the launch, the President noted that the road will enhance investment and trade opportunities in East and Central Africa region, but also facilitate the growth of tourism.
“When the number of visitors to this city grows, more job opportunities will be created and the youth will benefit,” said the President.
Additionally, other roads in the region will be renovated and expanded to decongest the city and facilitate business. They include Mombasa-Mariakani Highway, Dongo Kundu Bypass and Mombasa Northern Bypass.
Towards a 24-hour economy
This coming Friday January 15, 2016, the head of state will launch the national street lighting programme dubbed “Mwangaza Mtaani” as part of his “Powering Freedom” project.
The initiative is aimed at building a 24-hour economy in the country.
Speaking in Mombasa Manoah Esipisu, State House Spokesperson said that the “24–hour economy benefits Kenyans by increasing the number of jobs available, and increases productivity by using available manpower, space and technology in more efficient ways, all for the quicker growth of our economy.”
Other than Mombasa, the project will be implemented in Nairobi, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Kiambu and West Pokot.
East Africa’s first Marina unveiled in Mombasa
In his visit, Mr Kenyatta also opened the English Point Marina, an iconic landmark in the coastal city of Mombasa with a modern design and contemporary feel.
The high-end, luxury resort is aimed at attracting the ocean traveler who wants value for his money at the facility that sits on a 4-acre ocean view, featuring a 26-room hotel, conferencing facility, a roof-top restaurant, a casino, swimming pool, 96 serviced apartments – including 8 penthouses – seafront restaurant, gym and spa, as well as a boardwalk with retail outlets, water-sports center and fully-serviced 88-berth marina.
Giving squatters a sense of Security and Power
Land has been at the top of the government’s (Jubilee) manifesto. One of the priorities that Jubilee had promised citizens was to issue 3 million title deeds in its first term in office. Already 2.3 million of those documents have been given out to landowners.
The visit has seen the President issue a total of 9,080 title deeds – 4,073 title deeds in Lamu County, while 5,007 title deeds out of the 7,807 for people in the Waitiki farm.
Wachira Mwangi _Nation Media Group