Mombasa County to set up beach inspectorate unit

Mombasa county executive secretary in charge of Tourism, Job Tumbo [left] and Chairman Tourism and culture at Mombasa county assembly, Amir Thoya stretch at the beach during beach run exercise to mark Mombasa cultural week. The exercise is part of preparation for Mombasa international cultural Festival. The Festival runs from 21st to 24th this Month. 17th August 2014. Picture by Omondi Onyango

Mombasa, Kenya: The Mombasa County government has said it plans to establish a special beach watch inspectorate unit to keep beach users safe.

County Executive in charge of Tourism and Culture Development, Job Tumbo, said he is seeking to establish the unit's legal framework before presenting it to Mombasa Governor Ali Joho for endorsement.

"Once operational, the unit will work alongside the Tourist Police to ensure that tourists and holidaymakers are safe and go about their business uninterrupted," Mr Tumbo said.

He was speaking at Mombasa's Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach yesterday during the inaugural beach run organised by the Hospitality and Tourism Sports Organisation (Hotoso).

Heritage Group of Hotels Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Hersi, who was the chief guest, flagged off two races - 4km and 8km - in the event that was graced by participants from Hotoso, which draws its membership from hospitality establishments in Kenya.

"As a county, we are delighted to play host to this inaugural event that seeks to show the rest of the travel world that Mombasa is safe and ready for business," Tumbo said.

He said as a tourism hub, the county had much to offer and said his ministry would strive to work with tourism stakeholders to market new products that enhance the beauty of Mombasa as a popular destination.

CONCERTED EFFORTS

Tumbo said the county government cannot work alone and requires everyone's input to enable Mombasa regain its lost glory as a tourist city.

Hotoso patron Kenneth Ombongi, who is also the principal of Utalii College, said Kenya needs to tap into newer markets of sports tourism, cultural tourism, medical and agricultural tourism, and ensure that great emphasis is placed on these areas.

"We have seen what over reliance on the now common products of beach and safari can do to this nation in times of crisis. We must go back to the drawing board and come up with new, enticing products that make Kenya a preferred destination," Mr Ombongi said.

The county's move to establish a beach watch inspectorate unit is in line with Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Ministry, Phyllis Kandie's commitment to work closely with county governments at the coast to raise beach management to international standards.

Tourists at the coast are often harassed by beach boys and vendors and this has been cited as a major impediment to tourism.