As I traversed Kenya in the 1990s, everyone used to praise Mombasa.
People from 'bara' admired the slow lifestyle of Mombasa residents.
The streets were peaceful and the drama associated with Nairobi was never part of Mombasa living.
There was no mugging, police harassment, tribalism, radicalisation, religious intolerance and uncontrolled drug abuse among other social ills.
The following should change for Mombasa to go back on the golden track:
Crime
Nowadays, a week cannot pass without coming across threatening crime news from Mombasa. There are merciless killings of businessmen, security personnel and civilians. Clerics have not been spared either. What demoralizes me most is the age of some of the perpetrators of these crimes. In addition, robbery with violence seems to be a fashionable coastal trademark. This must change.
Drug abuse and Prostitution
There is a section of society that is determined to kill the future of Mombasa. They sale drugs to our youth and it seems they have immunity against the authorities. Most of these youth do not engage in any income generating activity. They only churn out Swahili lafudhi and build dream skyscrapers within a day. It is also demeaning to note the age and number of these youth who engage in prostitution. The life of Mombasa youth is at risk so is the future of Mombasa.
Radicalisation
Radicalisation is a sensitive topic in Kenya. Most people shy away from discussing it. However, this beast needs collective effort to stump it out of Mombasa. The brains that should build Mombasa are being redirected to molding ruthless professional murders. You have a part to play so that radicalisation is stopped for the betterment of Mombasa and Kenya at large.
Tribalism and general segregation
Kenya is fighting tribalism side effects while most of us cultivate it relentlessly. Mombasa suffers from the same. It is high time the land issue is settled for good. Mombasa is part and parcel of the one tribe called KENYA. Furthermore, segregation on the basis of religion, race, gender and social stratification has to come to an end.