A series of events have been lined up in the tourist resort city of Mombasa to usher in the New Year 2020.
The former Kibarani dumpsite which has been transformed into a recreational facility by the County government of Mombasa will host the main event with music concert and other entertainments.
The Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho is expected to preside over the event that will involve fireworks and graced by local musicians and those from Tanzania.
Other events are slated to take place at the refurbished Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Park, beaches, hotels and tourist establishment.
“We are ready and excited to usher in the New Year with various entertainments and prayers,” said the Coast Regional Commissioner (RC), John Elung’ata on Tuesday.
Elung’ata said security has been beefed in all the important spots to ensure Kenyans and visitors celebrate the New Year in an enjoyable and peaceful environment.
He said security personnel have intensified patrols, including air surveillance across the six coast counties to respond to any emergency and also take action against those out to disrupt law and order during the celebrations.
Mombasa and other coastal counties have witnessed an upsurge of local and international visitors during the December and New Year festivities.
Most of the hotels, apartments and tourist establishments have recorded 100 per cent booking with locals taking the lion’s share.
Tourism stakeholders have attributed the increased number of visitors to the improved security and the infrastructure that has raised the profile of the coastal region.
“We are extremely delighted with the efforts by the national government to improve security and the upgrading of key roads in Mombasa and other coastal areas,” said a veteran hotelier, Fred Kiuru.
Kiuru noted that both security and the infrastructure were crucial to the tourism sector saying the increased number of visitors was a clear indication that the future of the hospitality industry was bright after a decline of long period.
Most of the hoteliers have expressed their satisfaction with the significant increase of domestic visitors which they attributed to improved security, friendly packages and the introduction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
By Mohamed Hassan
