Mombasa: Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor led residents in celebrating Mashujaa Day, emphasizing the region's progress in security, youth empowerment, and development projects. Speaking during the event at Jomvu, Noor highlighted that President Dr. William Ruto had recognized the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga for his contribution to Kenya's democracy and unity.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odinga was posthumously awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), the country's highest honor, which has previously been conferred only to sitting and former Presidents. Noor mentioned that many leaders from Mombasa were absent due to attending Odinga's burial, representing the county's respect for his legacy.
The CC noted that Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir would be recognized in Kitui, where the national Mashujaa ceremony was taking place, for his leadership and statesmanship. Noor also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance security in Mombasa, noting significant strides in combating crime and dismantling criminal gangs.
Noor commended youths from Likoni and Kisauni constituencies for turning away from crime and embracing vocational training. He mentioned that several reformed youths are now enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire skills in various trades.
The upcoming Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone was identified as a source of future employment opportunities for skilled youth in the county. On housing, Noor detailed the benefits Mombasa had received from the Affordable Housing Programme under the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with ongoing projects in Nyali and future plans for Mvita and Port Reitz.
The Nyali housing project will feature amenities such as schools, a hospital, a market, and recreational facilities. Noor encouraged residents to register on the Boma Yangu platform to benefit from the program. He also cited major ongoing road projects, including the Jomvu-Mariakani and Nyali-Mtwapa roads, as part of extensive infrastructural investments in Mombasa.
Noor concluded by commending the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for arresting suspects linked to car break-ins targeting bank customers, naming the suspects and affirming continued operations to curb such crimes.