Economic experts predict growth in the tourism sector in 2024, with increased visibility and investments expected. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa’s General Manager, Francis Msengeti, highlighted the positive impact of 2023 on the industry post-COVID-19. The hotel’s market is thriving for both domestic and international guests, largely due to the surge in flights and cruise ships into Mombasa. Msengeti highlighted the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, including solar panels on all roofs, community enhancement through children’s homes, guest participation, and mangrove planting. The hotel focuses on offering exclusive experiences to guests, particularly during the festive season, with the gaming lounge being a standout attraction.
Patrick Muriuki, a guest at Sarova Whitesands, expressed hope for a better year and more economic growth in Kenya. He chose Mombasa due to its humid climate, friendly people, and numerous historical sites to visit. The New Year’s celebrations have sparked jubilation, fireworks, and joyous gatherings, expressing optimism for the New Year’s possibilities across the country.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for unity among leaders to drive development in the region. Speaking during a celebration for retired teacher Madam Elizabeth Nadio, who served for at least 41 years, Lomorukai emphasised the importance of unity for the common good of Turkana residents. He pledged to work towards fostering peace with other communities and supporting government operations against banditry to safeguard residents and their property. Lomorukai condemned incitement from leaders on border issues and emphasised the county government’s commitment to achieving food security.
Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot County governments are set to establish a Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Kapsait to discourage youth from banditry and promote peace between communities. Each county will contribute Sh10 million as part of their 10% contribution to the TTI, with the national government contributing the rest. The West Pokot Governor, Governor Kachapin, plans to allocate funds through a supplementary budget by February to unite youths and equip them with livelihood skills. The institute will enable youths to diversify their income sources and stop relying on livestock, which is a cause of insecurity in the area. The government has procured road construction equipment to repair damaged roads caused by El Nino rains.
The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of former KVDA MD Silvanos Tubei has been reopened after human remains were discovered at his Chepkurmum farm in Keiyo South Sub County. The remains are believed to be those of Tubei, who went missing 12 years ago. A worker at a compound raised an alarm after children accidentally pumped into the remains while fetching firewood at Tubei’s home. The workers reported the incident to the local chief, who confirmed that a missing person’s report filed by relatives of Mr. Tubei was still pending.
The incident occurred after two people, including his estranged wife and another suspect, were held for questioning over his whereabouts. The duo were later released due to a lack of evidence in 2012, as neither the body nor Tubei himself could be traced at the time of the trial. Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation visited the area and cordoned off the scene, awaiting court orders to exhume the remains, which will be subjected to DNA testing to ascertain whether they belonged to the missing Director.
The Nyanza Gulf Ecosystem Association, a group of scientists from Rongo University, is aiming to educate the public on climate change mitigation measures in five Nyanza counties. The initiative, which will benefit Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, and Nyamira, aims to protect the region’s biodiversity by restoring, conserving, and ensuring sustainable environmental management. Global partners are offering millions of shillings in grants to restore, conserve, and ensure sustainable environmental management, particularly in wetlands. The association aims to enhance climate change resilience by enhancing population adaptability and implementing key mitigation measures. The mapping of destroyed wetlands in five counties is underway, and donors will soon be engaged to initiate rehabilitation programmes worth millions of shillings. The programme will evaluate the impact of climate change, recommend adaptations, and develop action plans, resource mobilisation plans, and robust monitoring and evaluation plans. The goal is to create wealth through various business opportunities for jobless youth, such as fish pond/cage farming, fingerling raising, tree nurseries, and fish food production.