Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho acknowledges greetings from some of the traders at Kongowea market. [Photo: Hassan Joho/ facebook.com]
Governor Hassan Joho has assured traders in Mombasa he will improve their working environments as he seeks to quash claims he does not support informal businesses in the county.
Joho said trade is the cornerstone of Mombasa County’s economy and failing to support the industry would deal a big blow to the county’s development.He was speaking on Wednesday when he met groups of traders when he toured the famous Kongowea market.The visit was meant to enable the county chief engage with business people and other market users on day-to-day management of the celebrated market.“We will continue working together with all associates to ensure responsive service delivery and smooth running of the market,” he said.He said top on his agenda for 2017-2022 is allocating money that informal business people will access to boost commerce.Besides, he said, the county Trade department will hold successive trade fairs through which businessmen and women will market products particularly those locally made.Joho has been under criticism over his alleged neglect of traders in Mombasa.His main challenger Suleiman Shahbal has been meeting traders’ associations in the county spelling his agenda for them in case he wins the August election to become governor.When floods hit Mombasa early April, Shahbal accused Joho of taking the traders for granted after the county government ordered for the demolition of kiosks and other temporary structures built along water ways.Over 1,000 people were displaced during the demolition.