Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho led this year's Madaraka Day celebrations at Tononoka grounds, on Friday.
In his speech, Joho waived hospital and mortuary bills for patients in all Mombasa county hospitals, ordering Francis Thoya, the county secretary, to effect the order.
Below is a summary of his speech:
"Our founding fathers, in their wisdom, at independence pledged the elimination of Poverty, Ignorance and Disease. 55 years later, we are still battling with these issues as a Nation.
Devolution has played a major role in bridging this gap in equity and fairness. However more needs to be done with respect to inter-ethnic equity and shared prosperity of this nation.
The structure of governance in our constitution will need to be relooked in the coming years to foster more inclusivity and prosperity.
As we honor the sacrifices by our founding fathers, and as we promote national unity and harmony, let us also remember the less fortunate.
I have directed the Department of Health to waive all the bills for patients who have been discharged but are unable to meet their expenses in all county hospitals."