The Cabinet Secretary Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya has chaired an engagement forum involving stakeholders and members of the public to discuss and propose development projects for Mombasa County that will form the basis for the fourth medium-term plan for 2023–2027.
The Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP 4) is a master plan launched by the government to accelerate Kenya’s progress towards becoming a newly industrialised and middle-income country.
Among priority projects in MTP 4 for Mombasa County are the Dongo Kundu bypass and the expansion of the railway, among others.
“We have checked the medium-term plan, Kenya kwanza plan and the county development plan so that we can realise seamless implementation at the two levels of government,” said Mvurya.
The CS said the plan is aimed at raising living standards by creating more investment and employment opportunities for citizens and investors.
He noted that there are various projects already in progress in Mombasa County implemented by the government to aid in the development plan.
These include the Mombasa-Malindi road which is in the first phase of the project, with the second phase starting from Likoni to Lungalunga.
Mvurya noted that the road will go all the way to Bagamoyo in a bid to open Kenya to more trade with other East African countries.
Another project is the expansion of railway, parking and extension where a commuter rail will be constructed to aid travellers who use the Standard Gauge Railway.
He said the Jomvu-Mariakani road is now under construction and soon a dual carriageway will be launched by the president.
According to Mvurya, plans are underway to connect the South Coast and the island through the construction of a bridge worth Sh260 billion.
He also observed that the Dongo Kundu bypass is almost complete with the project aimed at reducing congestion at the ferry crossing channel.
Mvurya stated that the national government has also made a commitment to matters of health care, which is evident in the MTP 4 plan, with the government collaborating with the county government to facilitate the sector.
He noted that the rollout of the Social Insurance Fund will ensure quality healthcare for all Kenyans, including low-income earners with the registration exercise ongoing.
The CS said the county government and local national administration represented by the County Commissioner will fast-track the process to ensure seamless registration.
He said the government also plans to construct another referral hospital that will complement the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital that serves the coast region.
Mvurya stated that the executive also addressed the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with other airports in the country also put into consideration in revamping the transport infrastructure.
On matters of housing, the CS said that a social housing project by the Kenya Kwanza administration is meant to help low-income earners own decent housing.
“Apart from the ongoing housing project, there is an urban upgrade for which the president launched a Sh46 billion programme, a phase two of the urban programme implemented in counties,” he said.
The CS said the housing project will create employment opportunities with women given an equal chance of employment as men.
He added that the government has constructed Ronald Ngala Tourism College in Kilifi to give youth a chance to train on matters of tourism that thrive on the coast.
He noted that this is an ongoing programme that a number of youths are benefiting from.
He said the Ministry of Education is now adequately facilitated with more than Sh600 billion to make sure they comprehensively implement the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) programme but also have implementation of the various levels of infrastructure including the financing of public universities.
Mvurya noted that security at the beaches is also enhanced following the installation of street lights.
He further urged those who incite the legislators on the passing of the Finance Bill to come on board and air their views through public participation which is a democratic right for all Kenyans.
“Government services can be well provided if we allow legislatures to pass the bill that will help in tax collection. The law gives them a chance to discuss and remove a clause that they see as unfit, and that is why there is public participation,” he said.
He added that it is impossible to grow the economy if there is no Finance Act that will help in mobilising the collection of resources.
Mvurya also announced that the fees for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) course at Bandari Maritime Academy have been lowered from Sh35,000 to Sh15,000.
He said the government has allocated funds to spearhead development in the blue economy sector.
“150 boats have been bought to help our fishermen; we also have five other boats for deep-sea fishing,” he added.
He noted that the government will also build a landing site at Kindogo worth Sh150 million.
Mvurya said they will expand Bandari Maritime Academy to accommodate more students and also comply with international standards.
“We will equally launch a survival training centre at the facility, with Sh2.4 billion set aside for the project,” he added.
By Chari Suche
