𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏𝐒

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝,𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝟐.𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐦 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The County Assembly of Mombasa has scrutinised responses from various County Government departments on critical matters raised by Members, ranging from employment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and ward-based projects to water infrastructure and environmental risks.

A statement by Hon. Solomon Ngugi, Nominated Member, revealed that out of the County Government’s workforce of 6,100 employees, only 66 are Persons with Disabilities, representing 1.08 per cent. This figure falls significantly short of the statutory 5 per cent threshold, which requires approximately 305 PWD employees. Hon. Members stressed the urgency of corrective measures to ensure compliance with the law and to advance inclusivity within the public service.

The Assembly examined a response to Hon. Samir Bhaloo’s inquiry on ward-based projects undertaken since FY 2022. The Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation confirmed that the Executive had submitted details covering project identification, location, category, implementation status, allocation and expenditure. However, Hon. Bhaloo faulted the submission as lacking depth, urging further investigation and a more comprehensive report to strengthen transparency and accountability in project implementation.

In Mwakirunge Ward, the Department of Blue Economy, Agriculture and Livestock reported that rehabilitation of the Mitedi water pan has reached 90 per cent completion. The KSh 4.95 million project, comprising installation of tanks, piping and solar panels is nearing handover and is expected to directly support 25 families once operational.

The Department of Education and Vocational Training confirmed that construction of the Digirikani ECDE Centre was finalised on 31st October 2025 and officially handed over on 14th November 2025. The facility is equipped with sanitation amenities, while discussions with MOWASSCO are ongoing to secure a reliable water connection. The Department further pledged to address flooding and drainage concerns, with remedial works scheduled within two weeks, subject to technical interventions.

Further, the County Assembly received a departmental response on environmental degradation and disaster risks affecting Mkupe Community and Bangladesh Village in Mikindani Ward. The Department of Climate Change Resilience, Energy and Natural Resources reported that rapid urbanisation has significantly altered land cover, triggering soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution and heightened heat effects. Mkupe and Bangladesh were identified as particularly vulnerable, with deep gullies forming during heavy rainfall and siltation hindering mangrove regeneration. The Department also cautioned that communities living on steep slopes remain exposed to potential landslide hazards.

County assessments have classified sections of Mikindani Ward as moderate to high flood risk zones. Proposed mitigation measures include upgrading storm water drainage systems, enforcing building and planning regulations, constructing soil erosion control structures, undertaking re afforestation initiatives and intensifying public awareness campaigns. However, the Department highlighted inadequate funding, land tenure challenges and urban planning constraints as key obstacles to implementation. It further noted that several of the assessments have been supported by development partners, including GIZ and the World Bank.

Through the aforementioned deliberations, the Assembly, as an oversight authority, presses the Executive for accountability, inclusivity and sustainable development across Mombasa.