Mombasa County Commissioner (CC), Mohamed Noor, has assured residents and visitors to the coastal city of enhanced security as the festive season gets underway.
Speaking during the 62nd Jamhuri Day Celebrations in Changamwe Sub-county, CC Noor said security has been scaled up across all parts of Mombasa, which is experiencing a surge in both domestic and international tourists.
“I want to assure all visitors that we are ready and we have heightened security. All the hotels and apartments are full. I know that there are fraudsters swindling unsuspecting holidaymakers who book online. While on arrival, they find no accommodations,” he cautioned, adding that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation are pursuing such cases.
The CC commended police officers for arresting 36 suspected criminals in Kisauni Sub-county in the early hours of Friday.
“Yesterday, they arrested others in Likoni Sub-county. They want to eliminate machete-wielding gangs. We will tighten the noose to ensure no one will try to harass anyone here in Mombasa, not just visitors alone but also the residents,” assured the CC.
He added that the National Government Administrative Officers, including Chiefs and their Assistants, Nyumba Kumi elders, police and residents, through a multi-agency approach, would collaborate in ensuring peace and security is maintained.
On beaches, the CC Noor said a contingent of the Kenya Wildlife Service has been deployed to back up Tourism Police Units and Chiefs to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
“At 6 PM, we will blow the whistle to ensure all swimmers come out of the beaches. We don’t want anyone to drown in the ocean or to be injured. We directed hotel establishments to ensure they have lifeguards, to ensure no one dies or is injured in swimming pools,” he announced.
He urged parents to monitor their children during the December holiday season to ensure they do not fall into indecent behaviour influenced by social media or peers, lest they get arrested and parents regret the outcome.
On development, the County Commissioner said the government has heavily invested in expanding road networks and constructing Affordable Houses and markets.
“In housing alone in Mombasa County, we have started the construction of houses, markets and hostels. Mombasa alone has got Sh23 billion,” said the CC, explaining that the Nyali and Hobley Estate Affordable Housing Projects each have been allocated Sh7 billion.
The Government is also constructing eight-floor modern hostels for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Portreitz Campus in Changamwe Sub-county. Another hostel will be constructed at the Shanzu Teachers College in Kisauni Sub-county.
He urged Mombasa residents to register on the Boma Yangu platform to own the houses that are under construction.
By Sadik Hassan
