ODM Governor Warns Hotel Owners and KWS Over Small Business Infiltration
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has issued a warning to Kilifi hotels and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) regarding alleged harassment of beach operators near hotels in Watamu, Kilifi County.
According to reports, hotel management used service officers to evict business owners who operated near the facilities.
The business owners complained that the increased harassment from KWS officers was preventing them from interacting with tourists to make sales and earn a living.
Complaints were also received by county governor Gideon Mung’aro, who promised to revoke licenses issued to hotels, preventing the business owners from operating.
Mung’aro stated over the weekend that his administration would not allow large investors to crowd out small businesses, depriving them of their primary source of income.
“We cannot arrest our young men guiding tourists, I have talked to hotel managers and we have agreed that all small businesses should belong to the citizens. If any hotel defies this order I will revoke its license,” he stated.
The county boss emphasized that Kilifi was only interested in investors who were committed to the county’s development and did not want to exclude small business owners.
Mung’aro was with President William Ruto, who was touring the region. President William Ruto warned KWS officers against harassing small traders.
The Head of State emphasized that KWS was a state institution established to serve the people and that no officer should harass Kenyans going about their daily business to earn an honest living.
“I am directing KWS to work with the leaders to see how to resolve the issue,” Ruto stated.
Kilifi, like other coastal counties, attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Some of the county’s attractions include the Kilifi Festival, Watamu Marine National Park, and the Mnarani Ruins.
It also boasts some of the country’s most luxurious hotels. These hotels attract small business owners who sell their wares to visitors from other countries.
ODM Governor Warns Hotel Owners and KWS Over Small Business Infiltration
