Barely three weeks after Deputy President William Ruto toured the Coast region on a bottom-up economic Africa charm offensive, President Uhuru Kenyatta landed in the coast region to launch the multi-billion blue economy project.
The KSh 10 billion project funded by the world bank will cover the six coastal counties.
“When successfully completed we expect this project to contribute to sustainable exploitation of Kenya’s marine fisheries. This represents a new dawn in the development of the coastal region; and it is a key pillar in my administration’s job and wealth creation agenda,” the President said.
It was during this function that President Kenyatta castigated leaders who have been attacking him, appearing to target his deputy.
The president said he won’t answer them back saying he was busy working and delivering pledges he made to Kenyans who voted for him.
“Those who want to continue attacking me should continue because the government will continue to do its work until the last minute,” the President said.
Coastal leaders who were present hailed the President for the many projects government had initiated at the coast.
Mombasa Governor Ali Joho said the lives of people living at the Kenyan Coast were closely intertwined with fishing and called for investments and policy reforms so as to ensure the sector benefits more people.
On his part, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya who is also the Chairman of Jumuiya ya Pwani-a regional grouping of the six Coastal counties, called for the integrated development and exploitation of the blue economy and other sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, tourism, education and training.
A few days ago, the Deputy President faulted the planned Jubilee-ODM merger as well as the push between Uhuru and Raila Odinga to have constitutional reforms through the BBI.
The back and forth continues as the two once close allies go for each other.
