The National and county governments at the Kenyan Coast have agreed upon a model that will harmonize both national and county initiatives for broader appeal and greater effectiveness
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Dr Alfred Mutua said that the national government will provide funding to help upgrade infrastructure development in key tourist attraction sites.
Speaking at the Mombasa Beach Hotel, in Mombasa County, during the meeting with the governors from the coast the region Mutua affirmed the commitment of the National government to work closely with the Coastal county governments of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu to ensure that the Coast riviera matches other competing destinations around the globe.
” our meeting focuses on innovative strategies to invigorate tourists and generate employment opportunities for the youths together we reviewed and embraced viable development and maintenance projects spanning the mentioned counties we want Kenya Riveva to be an ideal tourist destination not only in Africa but across the globe, “said Mutua
According to the CS, they’re committed to collaborating and providing financial support for those identified projects, aiming to bring tangible benefits to local communities by the first quarter of 2024
Among the areas that are targeted for upgrades include public beach areas, the erection of public amenities like malls, eateries, toilets, search and rescue center, Lamu island for example, shall be keen to ensure that a special berth is established to handle cruise ships that call at the idyllic island.
” To boost security and ensure that the beaches are clean and friendly, beach boys and operators will have specially designated zones and shall also be well-lit for night activities,” he said.
” President William Ruto has opened Kenya to the rest of the world fully by making Kenya a Visa-free nation. We need to ensure that visitors coming to sample our destination have lasting memories about our country, ” he said.
in his statement, Mutua said that Kenya must be ready to welcome great changing trends of visitors of young ages ranging from age 20 to 40s.
Governor Abdulswamad while welcoming the new initiative by the national government reiterated the government to implement the open blue skies policy to help the tourists entering the country not to encounter hardship while visiting.
” Tourism thrives well with air connectivity. Open sky policy will help many international airlines land at either Moi International Airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or Malindi International Airport bringing in the much-needed tourist numbers, ” Nassir said
Kwale county boss Achani expressed hope for a lasting solution to delays at the Likoni Ferry crossing channel at the same time hoping the Diani airport will be completed in time and night flights will be introduced.
On human-wildlife conflict, Achani said that they were excited at prospects by the government of putting up electric fences that will confine wildlife in their zones.
IAN BYRON