Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa has called on police officers not to arrest women who sell palm wine but instead regulate the business as it is very beneficial to residents in the area.
Speaking during the launch of Nyali Sub-County on Tuesday, Marwa said that arresting women especially those with kids is inhumane, adding that he will follow up on the matter.
"If you arrest women because they sell palm wine and charge them 50,000 shillings fine, where do you expect them to get this money from? Just regulate the time of selling the wine because it is not illegal. This business has enabled very many women to pay for their kid's school fees,” said Marwa.
Marwa said the tree itself is very beneficial as it can create employment and earn a lot of revenue for the county government.
He urged the Mombasa County Secretary Mr Francis Thoya who was present at the ceremony to look into the matter
"I am challenging you Mr Thoya to take this matter to the county government and look for investors as we have very many coconut trees in the region. The governor should sponsor a few of you to go to Malaysia and see how beneficial the tree is," added Marwa.