Kato ups pressure for road by-pass

By PHILIP MWAKIO

Kenya Association of Tour Operators (Kato)has urged all stakeholders in the multi billion shilling industry to push for the implementation of the Dongo Kundu road by- pass.

Outgoing Kato Coast branch chairperson, Tasneem Adamji, said the by-pass was a major avenue for growth of the larger South Coast area.

Major hitch

"The Likoni ferry crossing channel still remains a major hitch to smooth access to the South Coast owing to frequent ferry delays," she said, while speaking at the branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mombasa,

The Association is also urging the Government to upgrade the Tourism Police Unit (TPU), into an autonomous outfit, saying this would boost morale among the officers, and expand coverage to include key tourist destinations.

Adamji noted that a combined industry pressure by Kato, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc), and the Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (Mcta), led to the formation of TPU at the Coast in 2003. The unit guarantees security in tourist zones. Kato is further urging the Government to set up a fully-fledged Disaster Response Centre at the Coast.

Especially volatile

"Mombasa is especially volatile with major factories, oil refinery, big ships at the port, airport and other essential installations. This makes it qualify for a Disaster Response Centre on a 24 hour monitor," Adamji said.

Present at the AGM held at the Wildwaters Amusement park included Kahc Coast branch Chairman, Titus Kangangi, Kato Chief Executive, Fred Kaigwa, and Mcta chairman, John Cleave.