Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho unveiled a 10-point agenda when he officially opened the county assembly on Tuesday.
Among the key issues he will deal with in his second term in office is youth unemployment, the garbage menace, insecurity and corruption.
The governor, who is eyeing the presidency in 2022, promised to make Mombasa great.
“We will develop and maintain a sustainable environment by investing in an integrated solid waste management plan at Kibarani. We will provide incentives to the youth to engage them in garbage disposal and waste management,” Joho said.
There has been pressure to close down the Kibarani dumpsite. However, Joho has promised the county government will set up a recycling plant with support from investors.
The governor said over Sh1 billion is required to set up the facility.
Youth unemployment has been blamed for the increased insecurity in the region. Joho pledged to address the problem so as to prevent the youth from slipping into a life of crime.
“We will continue investing in and improving security in the county through supporting community policing. We will revamp the social services department in order to identify, counsel and support youth at risk of social vices,” he said.
hotbed of terror
Between 2013 and 2015, Mombasa was one of the regions identified as a hotbed of terror, following frequent attacks.
Youth unemployment was one of the factors blamed for the rise in terror attacks.
“Together with partners, we will implement the Action Plan for Countering Violent Extremism. This initiative will help build a more secure environment for doing business,” Joho said..
The county boss also said he would tackle the water problem, improve the health sector, revamp education, improve infrastructure, support business, develop the tourism sector and modernise
Mombasa.
“We will invest in water infrastructure in all settlements. We are looking to work with neighbouring counties to develop water infrastructure. We will look at the opportunities available through adoption of desalination technologies,” Joho said.
The governor promised to revamp the health sector. He said he would strengthen primary healthcare by upgrading facilities and equipment in hospitals.
“At all times, our health facilities will have essential drugs and other medical supplies,” he said.
He added that the county government will roll out a health insurance programme for the elderly and women in informal settlements.
support business growth
The business community has not been left out. The governor said he would support business growth.
Joho said his government would offer incentives for business through support for entrepreneurs, deregulation and targeted reduction of levies and taxes.
“A vibrant economy is the heart of business. To spur business activities and investment in Mombasa, we will offer incentives for business,” Joho said.
In support of small-scale traders, the county government will modernise the Mackinon (Marikiti) and Sega markets while working on a programme of weekly markets for informal traders in the town centre.
Double taxation is among the issues the business community, especially hoteliers in Mombasa, have been complaining about.
County governments have also been blamed for rampant corruption, especially in the procurement and revenue collection departments. Joho vowed to deal with corruption..
Joho said his government procurement system will focus on local goods and products.
He said they will develop business information and incubation centres in the sub-counties to support youth entrepreneurship.
At the same time, Joho said they would work with the national government, the private sector and other stakeholders to develop and implement the Transport and Mobility Master Plan.
“We will construct new access roads in Likoni, Kisauni, Changamwe and Jomvu while maintaining estate roads,” he said.
He added that they will construct a multi-storey car park in Baluchi Street and a multi-storey terminus at Likoni Ferry Station.
Joho said the vision of a modern and prosperous Mombasa will not be achieved if they do not enhance urban planning, housing development and land management.
The governor said education standards in the region are still very low. He pledged to invest in quality education by developing a centre of excellence in every sub-county.