President Uhuru to launch national street lighting programme on Friday

MOMBASA, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta will on Friday launch national street lighting programme as part of his administration effort to build a 24-hour economy.

The 24-hour economy is being implemented in Nairobi, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Kiambu and West Pokot.

Speaking in Mombasa Manoah Esipisu, State House Spokesperson said the concept will benefit Kenyans by increasing the number of jobs available, and increases productivity by using available manpower, space and technology in more efficient ways, all for the quicker growth of our economy.

“In Mombasa, the Mombasa CBD, Old Town, Nyali, Likoni, Majengo, Bondeni, Mbaraki, Changamwe and Kongowea will be lit at a cost of Sh 224 million,” he said.

Elsewhere, the streets of Malindi, Watamu, Timboni and Gede in Kilifi County will be lit at a cost of Sh 94 million. In Kwale County, Ukunda, Diani and Tiwi will have street lights installed also by the National Government at a cost of Sh 62 million.

President Uhuru who is currently on a working tour of the Coast unveiled several projects aimed at boosting lives of residents and general economy of the nation.

On the tourism front, Uhuru opened the English Point Marina, an iconic landmark in the coastal city of Mombasa with a modern design and contemporary feel.

The English Point Marina, is a 4-acre ocean view, multi-million dollar marina resort featuring a 26–room hotel, a conferencing facility, a rooftop restaurant, a casino, a swimming pool, 96 serviced apartments – including 8 penthouses – a seafront restaurant, gym and spa; as well as a boardwalk with retail outlets, a water-sports centre and a fully-serviced 88–berth marina.

Esipisu said the facility will put Kenya on the map of the luxury yacht market, and the investment is set to open up Kenya to the high-end international ocean traveler.

The visit has seen the President issue a total of 9,080 title deeds – 4,073 title deeds in Lamu County, while 5,007 title deeds out of the 7,807 that are ready for the Waitiki farm were given on Saturday.

Some 8,939 title deeds for Kwale, 5,121 title deeds for Taita-Taveta and 2,554 title deeds for Kilifi counties are ready and will also be issued in the coming days and weeks.

President’s tour also covered infrastructure where he launched the construction of Sh2.7 billion Port Reitz/Moi International Airport access road project. The construction of Port Reitz/Moi International Airport access road will provide the necessary connection to the newly constructed second container terminal at the Port of Mombasa. It will also help decongest Mombasa City.

Other roads ear–marked for upgrading in the Coast include the Witu-Mokowe road, which the President assured will start in two months’ time – indeed, he will personally monitor its progress. Others projects of note include the Mariakani–Mavueni road, a major short-cut to Kilifi and Malindi, which is now almost complete.