- Both candidates have intensified their bids in the final round of official campaigns as per the IEBC guidelines.
- The former Devolution CAS said even the investors have confidence in his leadership.
Two Kilifi gubernatorial candidates George Kithi and Gideon Mung’aro have pledged to restore the county's economy once elected.
Kithi of the Pamoja African Alliance promised to revive tourism, offer free education and restore all collapsed industries.
Mung'aro, the ODM candidate, said he has a plan to revamp tourism.
Both candidates have intensified their bids in the final round of official campaigns as per the IEBC guidelines.
Speaking at Junju ward in Kilifi South on Tuesday, Kithi said under his leadership 50 per cent of the slots at Ronald Ngala Utalii College will be set aside for local students to boost tourism.
“Those students will receive full scholarships to study free,” he said.
He said his administration will also increase economic processing zones, revive collapsed cashew nut industry in Kilifi town, and set up a new coconut industry to create job opportunities.
The PAA governor hopeful said he will also market beach tourism which he said is unique to the Coast but blamed the government for failing to maximise its potential.
“The tourism sector in the Coast region is dead because the leaders are less concerned in promoting it,” he said.
On his part, Mung’aro who spoke during a meeting in Malindi on Tuesday said he would revamp Kilifi within three years at the helm.
The former Devolution CAS said even the investors have confidence in his leadership.
“Three or four weeks ago I was called to a meeting by the British Embassy, and we have begun to work out strategies of reviving Malindi,” he said.
One of the strategies he said is to expand the Buntuani waterfront project which was funded by the World Bank to stretch the developments to Sabaki bridge.
He said the British government has committed to construct a project from Vasco Da Gama to River Sabaki which once complete shall make Malindi a 24-hour economy.
“There will be lighting and stalls of all kinds to enable residents to work day and night. You will be able to buy clothes and eat at the ultramodern beachfront project,” he said.
Mung’aro who has served as Malindi mayor, Malindi and Kilifi North MP said the British government has committed to making Malindi regain its lost glory.
He said that once elected he plans to establish a coconut industry in Bomu area of Rabai and a pineapple industry in Magarini.
“By establishing industries we intend to create job opportunities for the people and those already working in the boda boda sector,” he said.
Others in the race to succeed Amason Kingi include Aisha Jumwa of UDA, Alphonce Dzombo Mbaru (Safina) and Franco Esposito a Kenyan of Italian origin(Independent).
Michael Tinga of Ford Kenya withdrew from the race and threw his weight behind Kithi last Saturday.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)