A section of Mombasa residents have expressed dissatisfaction after Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho revealed that the Mombasa County Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shanxi Province of the Peoples Republic of China on Friday.
The MoU would see the two conduct exchanges and cooperation in various sectors of development.
The agreement was signed by Mombasa Deputy Governor Dr. William Kingi and Deputy Director of the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs office of - Shanxi Province as well as Head of Delegation, Qin Jie.
In this newfound partnership which will trickle down to the Sub County and ward level, Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho said they intend to engage and facilitate transfer of knowledge and skills on world best practices in key sectors including; Trade, Education, Culture, Tourism, Energy, Infrastructure and Industrial Park Construction as well as Sister City projects.
"Mombasa is set to tap into China's long history of innovation and trade expertise to attract investment in view of realization of Mombasa’s Vision 2035 and the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone project," disclosed Joho.
"We wish to express our gratitude to the people of Shanxi Province and look forward to a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship," he added.
However, a section of residents cautioned him to be cautious about any partnership with the Chinese government.
Below are some of the reactions about the same:
Peter MacDonald
please be careful with China ,they're not the Best people
Danielle NgangaI wish we do business with different international country but not China..this is a trap
Fred Kit
Hon Joho, you are on a trap. China will soon be compelling Kenyans to buy its coal in order for their fake projects, done in Kenya, for Kenyan resources, to run. Soon, the trains you know will not be running without the use of coal and that is the time me and others, out for ecological succession in the region, will sound as your enemy yet risking for what can be good leadership if you seize and sustain it. Why do you forget so early traps, current and historical injustices the people of Pwani have been and are subjected to? And why forget when you want people of Pwani to believe in your leadership for their socio-economic freedom and healing? Why?
Dan Karimi
China taking over mombasa
Francis Ng'ang'a
Great initiative there H.E Governor. Guys let's not be negative with China, they do good work at cheaper rates with no stringent conditions like the European.
Grace Ombidi
Governor 001, that is the only way to create opportunities for your people. Keep on going.