President Uhuru Kenyatta assures investors in tourism industry of support

President Uhuru Kenyatta Wednesday assured investors that his government was addressing the insecurity, which had contributed to slump in tourism.

He said Kenyan had unique features, which can not be matched by many countries in the world. “We have beautiful beaches, wonderful parks and other physical features, which are only found in Kenya and that is why Kenya remains the best tourists' destination in the World” said Uhuru at Kazkazi Beach Resort in Diani, while opening the hotel’s 750-capacity conference room.

President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phylis Kandie, Majority Party Leader Aden Duale, Matuga MP Hassan Mwanyoha, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya  and MP Zainabu Chidzuga, commended the hotel owner Dr Charles Otara for defying the insecurity threats to invest in the industry.

“I want to assure the investors that my government is committed in addressing the things affecting tourism. I believe these problems will be something of the past and the tourism business will soon start booming” said Uhuru.

He asked investors to partner with the local people to develop the area so that Kenya can move to another level in development.

Music to the ears

He said his government would also speed up its programme of constructing Samburu-Kwale Road to open up the area, which has been lagging behind.

“I will soon come to launch the road to open up the area, which has been relying on only the road between Likoni Ferry and Diani to link up with others in the country,” he said.
The President assured investors and local residents that the Government would soon launch the Dongo Kundu project, which would also address transport and communication problem between Mombasa Island and the Kenya south.

Meanwhile, the President has said the Government has abolished taxes on music equipment and plans to increase budgetary allocation for the annual Schools and Colleges Music Festivals.

He said that the development of the National Talent Academy is near completion after the Government pumped in Sh350 million.

“I am committing to availing more cash for this project in the next financial year. And I would persuade governors to also set aside funds in their counties for the development of talent academies,” he said.

Uhuru was speaking at State House Mombasa during the winners' concert of the just-concluded festivals where a total of 124,000 students participated.

Uhuru thanked students and teachers for boosting the economy of the Coastal town by pumping nearly Sh150 million in the economy in the last two weeks.

“I want to appreciate the quality of performance and I do not see why we should not be able to fully tap artistic talent after succeeding in athletics and sports,” he said.

Uhuru, who offered an apology for keeping participants waiting for nearly five hours, was evidently thrilled by the presentations including from Juma Idd of Ng’ombeni Secondary School who presented a solo Shairi, Majanga.

The student had the attention of the President when he was asked to come to the podium and greet the President.