Security beefed up in Mombasa ahead of Easter

Security has been beefed up in Mombasa County ahead of the Easter holiday which begins Friday.

Officers from the General Service Unit, regular and tourist police units as well as those from the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Maritime Authority have combined efforts to secure Mombasa town, the airport, beaches and the Likoni channel.

Mombasa county commissioner Nelson Marwa assured Kenyans and international tourists that adequate security measures have been put in place.

The security personnel, he added, would patrol the town, the airports, the Likoni ferry crossing and tourist areas round the clock to rid the county of insecurity.

“Let all locals and visitors coming to Mombasa to celebrate Easter be assured that the resort is safe for vacations.

“Adequate security is in place to ensure Kenyans and international visitors have an enjoyable Easter holiday,” he said.

Mr Marwa said the government had set up a police team at Likoni to secure ferries which transport about 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles daily.

He appealed to residents to volunteer information to police whenever they come across suspicious people to help avert terror attacks and violent crime.

He called on Mombasa County residents to embrace the Nyumba Kumi concept.

“It is important for residents to support the police efforts to make Mombasa a safe place to live in.

“Residents must always be on high alert by ensuring that anybody suspected to threaten peace is reported to the police for action to be taken immediately,” he added.

Moi International Airport manager Yatich Kangugo said security had been beefed up at the airport.

He said the number of security personnel have been increased in and out of the airport to safeguard both local and international passengers.

“Stringent security measures are in place to ensure that vehicles are screened thoroughly before being allowed in or out of the airport.

“Both local and international passengers and their luggage undergo the routine check-ups to ensure all is well,” he said.

Kenya Wildlife Service assistant director Arthur Tuda said its officers will patrol the sea and the beaches for the safety of beach goers and swimmers.

He noted that security had also been beefed up at Mombasa national marine park.

“The KWS personnel will from today be mounting patrols on the seafront from Serena Beach hotel to Nyali as well as the popular Jomo Kenyatta Public beach which draw huge crowds,” he said.

He said no vehicles will be allowed to access the beaches.

Kenya Maritime Authority director general Nancy Karigithu said the agency will on Friday mobilise 250 volunteers to create awareness on safety awareness campaigns to avert accidents.

She said many Kenyans who venture out into the sea and the beaches lack knowledge on safety putting their lives at risk.

“Rescue centres will be set up at the Jomo Kenyatta Public beach, Shelly Beach and Mombasa Beach in case of any eventuality,” she said.