This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
On September 7, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a meeting with six governors and lawmakers from the Coast region at State House Mombasa to discuss the revival of the region's economy, which has been adversely affected by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The meeting aimed to address growing fears that the SGR freight services had brought down the region's economy. Uhuru outlined a plan to revive the economy, ensuring the completion of ongoing roads, water, and other infrastructure developments.
He emphasized that projects such as the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zones and the Port of Lamu are aimed at opening up the region to more investments. The President also reiterated the importance of the handshake between him and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, stating that it was aimed at uniting all Kenyans and boosting the country's development.
Coastal lawmakers expressed their support for the President's development agenda and the Big 4 blueprint. Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho urged the government to fast-track the implementation of the Mzima Springs II pipeline project and the Mwache Dam project to address chronic water shortages in the six counties.
Uhuru committed to implementing the two projects, and the leaders also underscored the need for the government to hasten land reforms in the region.
