Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero kicks off efforts to restore Westgate business

By Standard Digital Reporter

NAIROBI, KENYA: Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero, has kicked off efforts to facilitate the rapid business restoration of the Westgate Shopping Mall following the mid-September terrorist attack. 

Sitting in his capacity as the chair of the recently Gazetted committee on the rapid restoration of Westgate Shopping Mall, Kidero assured that the working committee comprising of both private sector and public service representatives will be putting its best foot forward to present an integrated recovery strategy by early next year. 

Recently appointed by East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, the committee, is, mandated to advise on the speedy recovery mechanisms for the Westgate Shopping Mall to avert unnecessary job and related economic losses. 

The committee, Kidero added, would also act as a platform to; showcase the value of public private partnerships between the central, county government and the private sector. 

“By setting off this strategic process to restore Westgate Shopping Mall on a PPP model, we are loudly confirming the national government and county government’s commitment to enhance our investors’ confidence,” Kidero explained. 

And added: “Through this committee, we are assuring our county investors that we shall be proposing an integrated recovery mechanism to sustainably secure the existing social and economic concerns.” 

During the inaugural meeting, Deacons Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wahome Muchiri was, also appointed the committee Vice Chairman from the team of gazetted committee members who include Legal scholar Dr. Kariuki Muigua sitting in as the committees Joint Secretary alongside State Counsel Maina Kirori. 

Other committee members include Principal Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed, Mr. Atul Shah- MD Nakumatt Holdings, Mr. Faiyaz Kurji- CEO Italian Menswear, Mr. Sagi Vaknin- MD ArtCaffe, Mr. Alfred Ng’ang’a- Joint Public Information Member and KCB Group Chairman Mr. Ngeny Biwott among others. 

To facilitate its mandate, the committee has also co-opted officials from Nairobi County Government and The Ministry of Interior and co-ordination of National Government Strategic Communications Advisor Mr. Mwenda Njoka. 

As part of Gazette notice, the committee among other terms is also mandated to identify the affected stakeholders and their considered recovery needs and advise on suitable primary and secondary security and other interventions in order to restore the confidence of the public and consumers in continuing to patronize shopping malls and retail Centre’s.