
Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir says the county government should get its share of revenue from Mombasa port.
Nassir said economically discriminating Mombasa residents from their natural resource is violation of the constitution and the residents’ economic rights as well.
Speaking in Mombasa, Nassir noted that he presented a Bill to the Mombasa County Assembly about the port revenue where the County Assembly passed the Bill which requires the National government to set aside a specific percentage agreed by the two parties to Mombasa county government.
“However in its response, the government through a letter discarded our demands and further warned us that if we persist our allocation from the National government will be slashed as well,” said Nassir.
The Mombasa County Chief stated that the government is being discriminatory when it comes to matters revenue allocation.
“The People of Mombasa deserve their fair share from our God given natural resources. We will not tire or falter in this conversation. No matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable it may be to some, we will speak out for our people,” Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir declared.
He said Mombasa port is the major source of revenue for the county since the county is more urban and has no adequate land to engage in major agri-business initiatives.
“Why are you denying us our economic right? We need a fair share of revenue from the port of Mombasa. We also strive to develop the county and uplift the living standards of our people,” said Nassir.
His sentiments were backed by an Economist and Muslim cleric Shaban Mwalimu who reiterated the need for the National government to be considerate enough and safeguard the economic right of Mombasa people.
Shaban said that the government has been considering other counties, while ignoring the plights of Mombasa residents.
“It is indeed good governance aspect when the National and County government are in unison when it comes to revenue sharing and allocation. But in Mombasa, it is not the case,” said Shaban.