Mombasa County is safe for both locals, non-locals, and tourists during this busy month of December festivities, County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa has said.
Speaking at Mwahima grounds in Likoni on Tuesday, the County Commissioner expressed commitment to ensuring the safety of Mombasa residents and tourists.
Jaldesa urged everyone to explore Mombasa without fear, assuring the presence of security teams during the festive season.
"I want to call upon all government security teams, including the village elders, who are the eyes of the government, to work together and stand firm to ensure that the festive season is celebrated as it should be," he said.
He was speaking during the Jamhuri celebrations in Likoni.
He acknowledged the historical association of Likoni with criminal activities, particularly among the youth.
However, he assured the public that the security apparatus is vigilant, working tirelessly to ensure safety not only in Likoni but across the entire Mombasa region.
He urged the youth to channel their energies into exploring their talents instead of engaging in criminal activities or substance abuse.
"It is not a must for our youth to engage in criminal activities and use drugs; they have different talents. They must come and work together so that they grow their talent," he said.
Jaldesa called on the youth to engage in positive activities and be aware of global events rather than resorting to criminal pursuits.
"We do not want to lose any youth in Likoni and Mombasa at large, especially during this festive season,” he said.
At the same time, Jaldesa highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding compensation for national projects in the area.
He mentioned projects such as the special economic zone and the Dongo Kundu bypass, assuring that the vetting process for compensation would be completed soon.
"In Likoni, we also have national government projects, including the special economic zone and the Dongo Kundu bypass. The vetting process will be done, and the compensation fee will be released very soon," he said.
Jaldesa encouraged residents to use the compensated funds wisely.
“If we get the money, let's start businesses and use the money appropriately. Those who will be given plots should ensure they use them appropriately," he advised.
In a separate event at Mary Cliff Primary School in Mvita sub-county, Mombasa Deputy County Commissioner Ronald Muiwawi said they have made progress in reducing crime in the region.
"We have been able to close down Maboksini, a former den of thieves and hardcore criminals who waylaid people near the Kenya Revenue Authority and Sauti House in the Mombasa CBD," he said.
He recounted the security apparatus's efforts to address a notorious crime hotspot in Kinjaro, near the godowns in Shimanzi, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to making Mombasa safer for all its residents.
"The last straw for the security apparatus was the gang-raping of a woman for more than eight hours at the den before she was left for dead at around 2 am, late last year," he said.
He expressed optimism about the continuous improvement of security measures, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a safer environment for the people of Mombasa.
