Security beefed up in Mombasa ahead of Christmas, New Year festivities

Security agencies in Mombasa County have beefed up security in the coastal county just days before the Christmas and New Year holidays, area County Commissioner Evans Achoki has said.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting between security officials and interfaith religious leaders, Mr Achoki said worship centers, hotels and other critical facilities will remain under security surveillance during this festive season.

This comes just a day after illegal criminal gangs on Monday attacked local residents in parts of old town Mombasa, Nyali and Kisauni.

The police boss assured that police are on high alert and are currently pursuing suspected criminals who were allegedly involved in the attacks.

At the same time, Mombasa based religious leaders, among them archbishop Martin Kivuva and Rashid Oricho, said that the tourism sector will only improve in the coast region if local residents give proper direction to the youth and work closely with security officials in the area.

This comes even as hotel industry in the coastal city of Mombasa recorded 75 per cent bookings.

White Sands Hotel General Manager Mr Raj Varad confirmed that bed occupancy has increased by 5 per cent compared to last year.

He further disclosed that most of bookings are dominated by local tourists and visitors from neighboring countries which include Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Last week a cruise ship from Seychelles docked at the port of Mombasa with over 1000 tourists on board.