- Mung'aro said the Malindi Airport needs to be upgraded to allow international flights.
- DP urged the leadership to tone down on politics to create an environment that will attract international tourists.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed a call from Opposition leaders in Kilifi County to revive the economy of the region.
Leaders led by Governor Gideon Mung'aro and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi called for increased investments in reviving tourism and other strategic sectors of the economy in the county.
“Many of our people are jobless. Tourism is performing poorly. Houses and hotels are being auctioned here in Malindi. We request the national government to prioritise reviving tourism in Malindi,” the MP said.
She added that police need more vehicles to effectively address insecurity besides the employment of more teachers to bridge the gap.
On the other hand, Mung'aro said the Malindi Airport needs to be upgraded to allow international flights.
The Deputy President said revitalising Malindi will benefit the local people and the entire country as a whole.
“We will look for investors to come to Malindi. We want to create a good environment for tourism to thrive. The Italian people loved Malindi. They could fly from Millan to Malindi. We will create a good atmosphere. We will do our part in addressing insecurity,” he said.
He added that the leadership must tone down on politics to create an environment that will attract international tourists.
“We will work together. Tourism has no political affiliation. Their currency is good for our economy and we will continue working with you,” he stated.
He, however, asked the leaders to support the government in ensuring security.
"The economy of Malindi is in tourism. When you incited the public to demonstrate against the government, tourists took off. Look at Malindi now. Do not do anything that will harm the economy. We must together create an atmosphere that allows business to thrive,” the Deputy President said.
The DP said he will hold consultations with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen on upgrading facilities, including the runway at Malindi Airport to meet international standards.
Gachagua was speaking in Malindi, Kilifi County, during the annual fundraiser for the Malindi Education and Development Foundation (MEDA-F).
The Deputy President asked the Muslim leaders to support the war on illicit alcohol, drug and substance abuse.
He faulted some leaders from the Coast, for reluctance and complacency.
"This is the Government that will end drugs and substance abuse conclusively. The drug barons can run but they cannot hide. I ask you to join the government in this war,” the Deputy President said.