Mombasa County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa has assured residents who braved heavy rains to attend the 60th Madaraka Day celebrations that the government is committed to implementing development projects in Mombasa and the coastal region at large.
Speaking at Mama Ngina Waterfront, the County Commissioner said barely a week passes before high-ranking government officers visit the coastal city.
“Every day, if it’s not the President visiting, it’s the Deputy President or Cabinet Secretaries with projects. Rome was not built in one day; let’s give the government time, and after some months things will have changed,” said Jaldesa.
He urged elected leaders to work with the government to actualize projects that will open Mombasa County, like the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. “There are numerous challenges, but we will surmount them if residents and leaders work together,” he said.
On the Finance Bill 2023, the County Commissioner invited Mombasa residents to public participation forums that will be held across the 30 wards for residents to be educated on the bill and field questions.
The county commissioner said they would intensify security patrols to ensure the tourist city was safe.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has put up a tent where the public could visit and file their income tax returns ahead of the June 30 deadline.
Speaking at the Madaraka Day forum, KRA Coast Region Coordinator Lawrence Siele disclosed that so far, 45849 people have been able to walk in and file returns in Huduma Centres and at the KRA offices.
“It’s the role of KRA to support the government, both national and county, in delivering the services to ensure the social and economic development of our people,” said Siele, adding the Authority will continue to take steps to strike a balance between tax collection and ensuring the rights of taxpayers are attained.
On his part, Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba reiterated his call for the government to reintroduce the White Card Programme to complement the Mombasa Yangu Programme initiated by the Mombasa County Government in employing youths.
Bedzimba lauded the County Security Committee for ensuring there is peace in Mombasa.
Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki called for the closing of all drug dens in the county to curb drug and substance abuse.
Nominated Senator Miraji Abdillahi thanked the government for appointing Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to the Blue Economy docket, which will open employment opportunities for youths.
By Sadik Hassan
