Leaders in Mombasa have rallied behind the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record, highlighting investments in housing, infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment as key achievements ahead of the 2027 General Election. Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar said the government remains committed to implementing President William Ruto’s development agenda across the country.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum attended by elders, youth representatives and local leaders, Daghar pointed to the affordable housing programme as one of the administration’s major achievements. He said 12,906 housing units had been delivered in Mombasa County, contributing to 287,000 units constructed nationally at a reported cost of Sh39.44 billion.
Daghar also highlighted major infrastructure investments in Mombasa, including the Sh52 billion Dongo Kundu bypass. He said the county was benefiting from additional projects such as 420 modern market stalls, 3,000 student hostels and 400 police housing units. Road and transport improvements linking Mikindani, Changamwe, Kalua, Doshi and the Southern Bypass through the Mteza Bridge were also cited as part of the government’s development agenda.
On healthcare, Daghar cited the Social Health Authority as another key component of the government’s social protection programme. He said 32.2 million Kenyans had been registered, with Sh178.8 billion disbursed through the scheme since its rollout. The government has presented expanded access to healthcare and financial protection as central elements of its efforts to improve living standards.
Youth empowerment was also highlighted, particularly through the NYOTA programme, which has provided grants of up to Sh50,000 to young people. Daghar said the government was also implementing On-the-Job Training initiatives to formally certify artisans such as mechanics, drivers and fishermen who possess practical skills but lack formal qualifications. Labour mobility programmes, including employment opportunities for Kenyan youth abroad, were similarly presented as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, Daghar outlined several major national projects that the government intends to pursue. These include extending the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba, expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing national electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts and constructing 1,250 dams to support irrigation. He also cited plans to reopen Mombasa’s Old Port, which has remained closed amid a tax dispute.
The development message was closely linked to the 2027 political contest, with Daghar urging residents to register as voters and support President Ruto’s re-election bid. He called on Coast residents to maintain peace and use their votes to promote leadership focused on development. The appeal reflects growing efforts by Kenya Kwanza leaders to translate government projects and programmes into political support ahead of the next election.
Fatma Bakari Barayan, Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board chairperson, also promoted development-focused leadership while announcing her bid for Mombasa County Woman Representative. She praised healthcare financing, NYOTA enterprise support and overseas employment opportunities, but called for greater fairness and accountability in the distribution of public resources. Her concerns over the management of a Sh46 million GBV centre and alleged discrimination in bursary allocation underline the need for transparency as the government seeks to build public confidence. Barayan urged elders and young people to prioritise development-based leadership over personality politics as Kenya approaches 2027.
