STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA AT STATE

HOUSE, MOMBASA, ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

In the last one week, I have had the opportunity to visit Mombasa. During that time, I
opened the Mombasa international show, during which Kenyas innovations and
entrepreneurship came alive. It is my hope that the county government and private
investors will seize the opportunity to scale the great ideas that continue to mature across
our society.
I also had the opportunity to dialogue with the leadership of the coast from political
representatives to the business community, professional and cultural Kaya leaders, on a
range of issues of concern to this region and our nation at large. I am delighted that the
efforts of our security agencies continue to bare fruits.
Today, visitors are returning to our shores and our tourist industry is on rebound. I direct all
security teams at the coast to maintain the high level of vigilance, and also urge the people
of the coast to be part of securing this tourist hub.
Of particular concern are the growing cases of young gangs. It is critical that we ensure all
school going age children remain in school. The coast has the largest number of youths
that have been radicalized and who need rehabilitation. This programme will be intensified.
Of great concern is the scale of drug and substance abuse in this region. As I have
indicated, my administration will not tolerate drug abuse.
I shall not allow this country to be a trafficking hub nor shall I watch as our youth and future
get destroyed. We shall destroy any vessel on land, sea or air that is ferrying drugs or
related substances.
I am also pleased to inform that two days ago, security forces launched operations in Kilifi,
Mombasa and Kwale to destroy drug dens and commence rehabilitation of affected
Kenyans. I have also appealed to all leaders to be part of this campaign. The participation
of each and every one of us will go a long way to secure our youths.
Earlier today, I launched the NYS project in the Old town of Mombasa. This project will
retrieve our youth from hopelessness and idleness, and hopefully restore their dignity and
pride. The NYS programme will be expanded to the other counties in the region and the
rest of the nation. I call upon all Kenyans to support this transformative agenda of my
administration in order to secure our future.
Today I have nominated Grace Kaindi, the Deputy Inspector General to serve as
Ambassador of Kenya. To ensure a smooth transition and continue the ongoing reforms in
the National Police Service, I have nominated Mr. Joel Kitili, as acting Deputy Inspector
General, with immediate effect, and until the substantive processing of appointment of the
next DIG takes place.
Further, in an effort to consolidate the governments efforts to combat terrorism and
counter violent extremism, I have appointed Ambassador Martin Kimani as the Director of
the National Counter Terrorism Centre. I have also nominated Mr. Isaac Ochieng to serve
as Ambassador of Kenya.
Mombasa
1st September, 2015