Uproar over proposal to build Hassan Joho a residence
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Details on the project are contained in a Sh12.9 billion medium-term draft budget for the 2018/2019 financial year.
The budget states that the construction will be done in two phases.
Politicians and lobbies have opposed the proposed construction of an official residence for Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Deputy William Kingi.
They said construction of the residence is not a priority since the county is plagued by many challenges such as poor infrastructure and drainage system, garbage menace, drug abuse, juvenile criminal gangs and high unemployment rates.
DRAFT BUDGET
Details on the project are contained in a Sh12.9 billion medium-term draft budget for the 2018/2019 financial year. The budget states that the construction will be done in two phases.
The county has been holding public participation meetings with regard to the draft budget.
But Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo urged the governor and his deputy to priorities other crucial amenities instead of their residence.
“Mr Joho is serving his last term and there are serious issues that require funding,” he said.
Bamburi MCA Robert Nyiro said: “We have many burning issues. We have not received bursaries yet schools are opening for second term.” Freetown MCA Charles Kitula said the funds can be utilised for other purposes.
Commission for Human Rights and Justice Executive Director Julius Ogogoh said they will go to court to stop the construction.
But Finance Executive Mariam Mbaruk defended her decision to include the construction in the budget. “It is a proposal from the national government that going forward, governors and their deputies will not be paid house allowances,” she said.
