By Philip Mwakio
The new Mombasa County Governor in-tray will be full of a raft of demands from players in the multi-billion shilling tourism industry.
While welcoming the inauguration of Ali Hassan Joho as Mombasa governor, the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast branch said it was great news for the industry since the new county boss has acknowledged tourism to be the backbone of the economy.
“We have had past leaders who thought they understood the industry well but in stark reality gave little or no attention at all to matters tourism,’’ Sam Ikwaye, KAHC Executive officer said.
Industry players want Joho to involve them in county issues, fix key support infrastructure like upgrade sewage treatment plants, ensure provision of clean piped water and guarantee security for all.
During his swearing-in, Joho promised to make Mombasa prosperous, clean and crime free county. He declared that Mombasa’s prosperity is essential for Kenya’s development and as a lifeline for regional economies.
Joho said ‘tough decisions’ would be made under his administration to fight crime, drug trafficking, and garbage dumping in the county and to modernise its economy in collaboration with the private sector.
Ikwaye noted that the new governor should take into consideration that branding of Mombasa County will be key to attract additional international visitors.
“The branding, which will resonate with the locals and have everyone appreciate tourism is long overdue,’’ Ikwaye said.
“We as an industry are optimistic that the new Tourism Act will be implemented fully to address the business model that suits Mombasa,’’ he said.
Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel General Manager, Tuva Mwahunga asked the governor to ensure that the Mombasa Republic Council issue is dealt with expeditiously so that the people can go about their businesses without fear.
Plaza Beach Hotel Operations Manager, Benson Kilonzo said the governor should ensure the pilot Beach Management Programme, a project of the Ministry of Tourism, being spearheaded by the Kenya Wildlife Service is sustained.
