Over 1000 tour and beach operators in Kilifi received food donations Monday from local donors to cushion them against the effects of Covid- 19 pandemic.
Rice, maize, beans and cooking oil were donated to the 1046 tourism operators by the Kilifi county chief officer in charge of tourism Mrs. Mary Mkare at Mnarani ruins to mark the World Tourism day.
The food assistance was sourced from Mombasa Cement, Mabati Rolling Mills, Kitui flour mills among other donors.
Mrs. Mkare said the food donations were deliberately directed to the operators considering the socio-economic hardships they have been undergoing since March, when the beaches were closed after the outbreak of the pandemic.
She said tourism has been contributing heavily in uplifting the economic well-being of the people through employment. “Our county is known for its vast unique tourist attraction sites that range from beaches and historic sites which have all been closed. This has forced us to organize food donations to the affected and thank our supporters for the aid,” she said.
Chairman of beach operators in the county Mr. Iha Shume called for more donations to his members claiming that since the outbreak of Covid- 19, it was the first time they were receiving aid.
“Our members have been forced to keep off the beaches following orders by the government. There have been no visitors coming to the country and we expected support from the government but there has been none,” he said.
By Harrison Yeri
