President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Monday, deviated from his official itinerary and surprised contractors, as well as casual workers at the Mama Ngina Drive regeneration project, in Mombasa.
The Ksh460 million waterfront project, which he commissioned in January this year, is slated to host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Accompanied by Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho, among other dignitaries, the President deviated from his planned program and insisted on visiting the site, so as to check on the progress.
The ongoing beautification exercise at Kibarani along the Makupa Causeway, is part of ongoing efforts to restore the glory of Mombasa as a leading tourist destination in the region.
For years, the infamous Kibarani dumpsite was an eyesore and a public health concern for many - locals and tourists alike, because of its location right at the gateway into the city.
The upgrade project is expected to transform Mama Ngina Drive, situated on the southern part of Mombasa Island near Likoni channel, into a fully-fledged recreational park.
According to the designs, the facility will have two iconic gateways to the waterfront, paved pathways, lush gardens and restaurants that will edge out kiosks.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, disclosed that the project would transform and rejuvenate Mombasa into a leading and competitive world-class tourism destination.
“We will conserve Swahili and Coastal culture and heritage structures of significance in the re-design of the area,” he divulged to the Standard during a past interview.
The Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, as well as Cabinet Secretaries Najib Balala (Tourism) and John Munyes (Petroleum), were also pictured alongside Uhuru, during his unexpected visit.
Here are a few more photos from the Uhuru's impromptu visit:
