Parents have been urged to spend responsibly during the Christmas and New Year festivities to avoid financial strain when schools reopen in January after the two-month holiday break.
Speaking on Sunday during the annual Jomvu Boat Racing event, which was graced by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib cautioned parents against overspending, noting that school fees and other basic needs should remain a priority.
The MP lauded the County Government of Mombasa for formalizing the boat racing competition and incorporating it into the county’s annual calendar of events, saying the move would ensure its sustainability for years to come. Kitanga Juu Beach Management Unit emerged the overall winner in the competition.
“It means whether Badi or Abdulswamad are in office or not, the event will continue for years,” Twalib said, while urging residents to maintain peace during the festive season.
He further advised parents and guardians to plan ahead for the January school reopening by setting aside funds for school shopping even as they enjoy the holiday celebrations.
Twalib also called on the Abdulswamad-led administration to develop a programme to scout, support and sponsor upcoming artistes whose growth has been hindered by financial constraints.
“We want to scout and sponsor our artistes so that they can become famous like others in Kenya. Artistes from Jomvu should also rise,” said the MP, calling for collaboration with the county government to link youth to employment opportunities.
The MP thanked the government for the completion of the transformative Dongo Kundu bypass, which has eased transportation between Mombasa and Kwale counties. He also pledged to distribute bursary forms directly to secondary schools to eliminate long queues at his office.
Governor Nassir said that from next year, the annual boat racing event would be upgraded into a mega competition attracting participants from across the country.
The Governor also announced plans to establish a vehicle marshalling yard in Jomvu to hold trucks waiting to access the Port of Mombasa.
“If we manage to put all the trucks in one place and complete it this year, it will create employment opportunities for the youth of Jomvu,” he said.
Governor Nassir further pledged to fast-track the issuance of land titles to enable residents to own land legally and use title deeds as collateral for loans, while calling for harmonious coexistence among residents.
He also revealed that a supplementary budget would be tabled in the County Assembly to ensure all secondary school learners receive bursaries in January.
By Sadik Hassan
