Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir says his administration will prioritise workers’ welfare for optimum service delivery to the county residents.
Nassir said that under his leadership, the devolved unit would insist on merit as the guiding principle to propel his administration to ensure best practices in service delivery.
The governor, who is yet to name members of his executive committee, has promised to run an all-inclusive government as part of his commitment to transform the coastal county.
He says he will keep his campaign promises to the people noting his journey in politics since his days as MP for Mvita was always motivated by better service delivery and not for personal gain.
“My administration will strive to fulfil the promises made during the electioneering period and we vow to continue on the path of progress,” said Nassir adding that he is committed to ensuring prudent management and accountability of public funds.
“During the campaign period, my rallying call was enhancing service delivery and prudent use of resources if elected the next governor,” said Nassir who succeeded former Governor Hassan Joho.
He further said the election is over and that the most important thing now is for the diverse people of the county to join hands and work in the interest of Mombasa,” he said.
He said his administration will particularly focus on the areas of healthcare provision, infrastructure development, blue economy, education, fishing, and tourism among other sectors for the socio-economic benefit of the people.
Speaking during a press conference in his office, Nassir said having transitioned from a two-term MP for Mvita Constituency, he has returned as a county boss with a renewed zeal to serve the county.
Governor Nassir also promised to deal with the issue of salary delays that has plagued the county in the past.
“Under my watch, payment of workers’ salaries will be on time and we also expect the public servants to reciprocate the gesture by doing their best in serving the people,” he said.
He said in the two months since he assumed office he has paid workers salary on time and cleared Sh365 million owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as arrears in Pay as You Earn (PAYE).
“Since the beginning of my administration in September, we have spent Sh480 million every month on payment of salaries despite receiving Sh607 million from the exchequer but we will not stop paying our employees on time,” he said.
Nassir says he is alive to the impact of labour strike actions on service delivery saying that in the past the county had its fair share of strikes by healthcare workers over inordinate delays in salaries causing disruptions in service delivery.
By Hussein Abdullahi
