Mombasa governor hopeful Suleiman Shahbal when he visited Winners Chapel in Mombasa. [Photo: Suleiman Shahbal/ facebook.com]
Mombasa governor hopeful Suleiman Shahbal has told youth to vote for him in August as his administration will establish an investment fund that will enable them have access to money for doing business.
Shahbal who was addressing groups of young people while on a campaign trail in Kadzandani said youth form an integral part of society and cannot be wished away.“Our youth are our future. We cannot have a bright and rich future if we don’t empower our youth today. I will start Mombasa Investment Fund (MIF) through an Act of the County Assembly. With MIF, our youth will be able to access capital to start and or expand their businesses. Not again shall our youth remain in poverty because they cannot access capital,” he said.Shahbal, a prominent businessman with interests in banking, education and real estate sectors accused Governor Hassan Joho’s administration of failing youth. He said majority of youth in the county are still unemployed despite the billions of shillings the national Treasury has sent to Mombasa.He claimed county money meant for empowering young people had been diverted to private business. Shahbal, a Jubilee candidate, is facing a tight election contest ahead.He will be facing off with Governor Joho who since his election in 2013 has won more support in Mombasa because of his boldness in criticizing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto over claims the two sidelined Coast region in development.Others in the race to take over leadership from Joho are Senator Hassan Omar (Wiper) and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti.