-This transformation of the mode of transport by linking the Mombasa City center with the SGR terminus at Miritini and other stops, easing congestion and offering Kenyans a more reliable transport system, will be a relief to golfers in the country and the region coming to Kenya Coast to play golf a tournament.
-Later, the President inspected construction works at the Jomvu Bridge, Nyali Affordable Housing Project and issued title deeds to residents of Chaani all in Mombasa.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Its all smiles for golfers both in the country and the Region after Kenya President William launched the Mombasa Commuter Railway Service in a decisive action to transform urban transport.
The golfers will now find a relief traveling to and from Coast to participate in any golf tournament at at the five Coast golf courses namely Mombasa Golf Club, Nyali Golf and Country Club both in Mombasa County, Vipingo Baobab Ridge course, Malindi Country club both in Kilifi county and the Diamond Leisure golf resort in Kwale County.
The President said the KSh.6 billion rail project will offer local commuters and those who arrive in Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) faster, safer and more affordable mode of commuting on the railway that stretches for 16.6km.
He said the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service marks a bold step in transforming the mode of transport by linking the city center with the SGR terminus at Miritini and other stops, easing congestion and offering Kenyans a more reliable transport system.
He said the rehabilitation of the 13.8km line, together with a 2.8km link to the SGR, closes a historic gap at Kilometer Zero, the point where the 1896 Kenya-Uganda Railway started.
“This is part of our government’s strategy to expand the rail network from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu and across the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor, securing Kenya’s place as the gateway to Africa,” President Ruto said.
Speaking at Miritini in Mombasa County when he launched the commuter rail service on Wednesday, he pointed out that the train service will reduce travel time, ease congestion, and provide a safer and affordable alternative to road transport for residents and other Kenyans.
The President explained that the railway link is crucial because it provides the much-needed first and last mile connection for commuters, visitors, and tourists.
“With a daily capacity of up to 4,000 passengers, it will ease pressure on roads and enhance the commuting experience, while making the Madaraka Express more accessible and convenient for all,” the President pointed out.
He noted that the rail service will be a reprieve for travelers who have been paying a high price using taxis and matatu.
“The commissioning of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is more than a local convenience. It is a symbol of our past, a solution for the present, and a promise for the future. With this service, Kilometer Zero once again becomes the epicenter of Kenya’s journey and not just the starting point of our history, but the Launchpad of our modern economic destiny,” President Ruto explained.
At the same time, the President announced that the KSh.65 billion Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone will be launched before the end of the year.
He said the project will create thousands of jobs for residents of the Coast region and the entire country.
Later, the President inspected construction works at the Jomvu Bridge, Nyali Affordable Housing Project and issued title deeds to residents of Chaani all in Mombasa.
President Ruto said KSh.24 billion has been set aside for construction of affordable housing, fresh produce markets and students’ hostels in Mombasa County.
He also announced that the Port of Mombasa is being expanded at the cost of KSh.41 billion, adding that this will make the important gateway to Eastern Africa “better and bigger”.
For road construction in the county, the President said KSh.4.7 billion has been allocated for Mombasa City.
And while issuing title deeds to Chaani residents, he said KSh.3.8 billion has been set aside for the processing of more title deeds and buying of land from absentee landlords to re-settle squatters.
At the same time, the President told off his critics, saying they have nothing new to offer Kenyans and urged Kenyans to ignore leaders who have no meaningful agenda for the country.
He called for unity and support of the government’s transformation agenda and urged the Country to ignore “the naysayers and negative voices” who did not believe in Kenya.
“Kenyans should stand together and ignore those who have no plan, vision or agenda for the progress of our country,” President Ruto said.
He said the government’s development priorities, including food security, road infrastructure, healthcare, and affordable housing, were on course and benefiting Kenyans.
The President regretted that some leaders had no faith in the transformation agenda of the country.
“Kenya is on the path to shaming its enemies through development success. We have to believe in ourselves and we must believe in our ability to take our country from the Third World status to the First World,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to support President Ruto in transforming the country.
He said the ongoing transformation agenda will take the country to the next level in terms of development.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho criticized opposition leaders who have faulted President Ruto’s government.
Joho noted that many critics of the government have previously held powerful positions but failed to bring meaningful change.
“It’s President Ruto’s administration that has put the Coast region on the national map through development projects. Previous governments had ignored us,” he said.
Joho expressed strong backing for the President and urged residents at the Coast to unite and support his bid for a second term.
Present were Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Salim Mvurya (Sports), Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and several MPs and MCAs.
ENDS.
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