Mombasa County has rolled out enhanced security and emergency preparedness measures as the coastal city experiences a surge in visitors during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.
Multi-agency security teams are conducting 24-hour patrols across land areas and all public beaches, while the county has deployed 11 ambulances and established Red Cross response tents at key hotspots including Pirates Beach, Shelly Beach, Nyali Beach and the Mama Ngina waterfront.
Authorities have also issued a strict swimming advisory, allowing swimming in the ocean and pools only between 6.00am and 6.00pm.
County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance, Dan Manyala, who also oversees disaster management, said the county had put in place a special plan to ensure public safety during the festive period.
“Mombasa continues to receive a large number of visitors during Christmas and New Year celebrations, which is why we have put in place a special programme to ensure that all public spaces are safe,” Manyala said, adding that security agencies including the National Police Service, Kenya Navy, Kenya Wildlife Service and County Inspectorate are jointly involved.
Residents and visitors have been urged to cooperate with officers and report emergencies through the county’s toll-free numbers 0738 222 555, 0707 911 911, or the national emergency lines 911 and 999, as the county wished the public a safe and enjoyable festive season.