Senator launches strategic growth plan for Mombasa

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar on Saturday launched a three-year strategic plan for the county to speed up development in Mombasa.

He said that poor leadership was the cause of increasing poverty and underdevelopment in the county.

During the launch at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, the senator called on private schools to defy the government’s directive to close.

“We cannot allow the hostage-taking of our education institutions and the decline,” he said. “What business do you have closing private schools?”

Mr Omar told the government to pay teachers to end the current education crisis.

“To deny human rights is a big thing but to deny a child the right to education is even worse,” he said.

He said there are no differences between him and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

“But the governor and I are very different people. Even if you are my friend, when public duty calls, I will prioritise public duty over friendship. Appreciate democracy, not friendships,” he said.

Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro said that the Senate and National Assembly need to work together for the good of Kenyans towards implementing devolution.

Senators Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) said that the Senate has been despised for long.

Mr Kilonzo condemned the closure of schools while Mr Kajwang’ asked the government to find the right solution in dealing with the teachers’ strike.

Nominated Senator Agnes Zani said the Opposition will join teachers in the strike on Wednesday to compel the government to pay them.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka asked people to vote in large numbers in the next Genera Election. He said that Okoa Kenya will help end numerous problems in Kenya.