Joho unveils a Sh22 billion budget

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho during the campaign trails. Photo/Elkana Jacob

Monday, April 29, 2013 - 00:00 -- CHARLES MGHENYI
MOMBASA governor Hassan Joho at the weekend unveiled a Sh22.3 billion budget for the financial year 2013-14. Speaking during the function at the Mombasa Women Social Hall, Joho said his government wants to develop Mombasa.
“We have to ensure that parts like Mwakirunge develop at the same pace like the Central Business District,” he said. The 9-point budget focused on development, education, drug abuse, health and infrastructure.
Sh500 million was set aside to fight drug abuse and building of rehabilitation centres. The governor said they will have a special focus on the tourism sector which is the pillar in the county's economy.
“We have set aside Sh1.6 billion for the tourism sector which plays a major role in our economy,” said Joho. “We are going to brand Mombasa as the best tourist destination in the East Africa and reclaim our lost glory.”
The budget provided for lighting Mombasa and opening of the Southern and Northern corridors to decongest the heavy traffic. Joho said the Central Government will help fund the Dongo Kundu and Changamwe-Mshomoroni bypasses to reduce traffic jam.
He said the two projects wwill cost approximately Sh30 billion which is not part of the county's budget. Joho saidthe county has received Sh4.6 billion from the central government and Sh3.7 billion from the local revenue collected.
The county budget estimates has a deficit of about Sh13.2 billion. The governor asked debtors to pay up so that the county government can run smoothly. “We welcome donors and investors to support us in developing Mombasa,” Joho said.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-118678/joho-unveils-sh22-billion-budget