Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito has challenged hoteliers to take up the front position in supporting the county's growth.
Masito said the hoteliers should enhance their corporate social responsibility roles and help address the challenges facing the region.
The woman rep said it is worrying that only a few of them accept calls to offer needy students bursaries or donations to counter the ongoing drought.
"I am surprised many hotels are too reluctant in providing aid. I have tried to reach out to them but none is responding," she said.
Kwale has more than 200 hotels, with many are found in Diani, the hub of tourist destination.
Masito said most of the hotels have been doing well but are too stingy to give charity. She strongly condemned the habit, adding that it impedes development.
She said people must work in unity to spearhead economic growth and prosperity of the society, noting that the county will only be able to effectively tackle poverty and unemployment issues if everyone comes on board.
Masito said drought is still wreaking havoc on many families in Kinango, Samburu and Lunga-Lunga subcounties.
She linked hunger and poverty to be among the many reasons that have contributed to the rising cases of teen pregnancy and crime.
The woman rep urged the hoteliers to come out in large numbers and contribute something to show solidarity and cushion the affected people.
"I know things are hard but these are our people, kindly dig deeper to assist where possible," she said, adding that extending a hand of support is creating a healthy society and a good working environment.
Masito also said the help will motivate residents to appreciate the existence of different investors and strengthen relationship between them.
She said plans are underway to have the Diani airstrip expanded to accommodate more flights and grow the tourism economy.
"Next week I will table a motion in the National Assembly to inquire about the progress of the expansion of our airstrip," she said, noting that airstrip facility is critical in the promotion of tourism in the region.
She said once the airstrip is big enough, it will allow high-engine airplanes to directly land in Diani, hence promoting the tourism sector.
Masito said the airstrip will serve a great deal in reducing congestion at the Likoni channel and save tourists from the burden of travelling a long distance to reach Kwale.
Tourists have been landing at Moi International Airport in Mombasa and transported by road via vehicles to the South Coast hotels.
Diani airstrip has been receiving Jambojet, Airk Kenya, Safari Link and Fly 540, among other private charters.
Masito also underscored the need for parents to enhance their parental responsibilities and ensure children get the desired education.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
