Kilifi Governor Mung'aro orders crackdown on foreign-owned businesses in Watamu

Kilifi Governor Mung'aro orders crackdown on foreign-owned businesses in Watamu

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro has ordered county officers to investigate and shut down businesses operated by foreign nationals in Watamu, saying residents should benefit from economic opportunities created by the coastal tourism industry.

The governor directed officers to audit business licences in hotels and shops, particularly curio outlets, after beach operators and small-scale traders complained that foreigners were taking over businesses traditionally run by residents.

Speaking during a meeting with beach operators, tuk-tuk operators, artisans and other business owners in Watamu, Mung’aro instructed county officers to inspect businesses and establish who owned them and whether they had valid licences.

He specifically questioned why foreign nationals were operating businesses such as curio shops and tuk-tuks, arguing that these were opportunities that should be available to local people.

“I do not see why these people should be allowed to operate here. Go around every shop. I hear they are even starting to take over the stalls here,” he said, directing officers to inspect the businesses.

He further instructed officers to visit hotels and establish how many had curio shops, whether they were licensed and who had issued their permits.

Latest Stories

• Driving programme gives Kamukunji youth a new path to earning a living
• Migori Youth, Mombasa United clash in search of first FKF Premier League victory
• Homa Bay learners to benefit from bursaries, scholarships under new government deal
• Government orders probe into Kinatwa Sacco and Mathira North Farmers Co-op over finances and management

“Go from one hotel to another, inspect every hotel and bring me the licences so we can establish who is paying whom,” he said.

Mung’aro warned that businesses found operating without licences would face closure, while those with permits would have their licences presented to the county government for scrutiny.

He also cautioned county officials against issuing licences to businesses that should be reserved for local traders, saying officers responsible for approving such permits would be identified.

The directive followed complaints from local business owners, some of whom said they had operated in Watamu for between 20 and 25 years but were increasingly facing difficulties securing their place in the tourism economy.

Watamu MCA Ibrahim Matumbo said residents should be allowed to conduct business without discrimination, particularly during the peak tourism season when demand for services and products increases.

The traders also raised concerns about alleged harassment by some authorities managing the marine reserve and park, saying the situation was affecting their ability to earn a living.

Mung’aro promised to convene a separate meeting bringing together hotel owners, tourism operators and county officials to discuss the complaints and establish how residents could benefit more from the industry.

He said the meeting would also address concerns about foreign nationals operating businesses within hotel premises and the role of county officials in licensing such establishments.

The governor said the county would also review outstanding fees owed by tuk-tuk operators and reduce their monthly charges, arguing that transport operators were among those contributing to tourism activities in the area.

He announced plans to waive existing arrears owed by tuk-tuk operators to the county government, saying the move would ease the financial burden on local traders.

“Like I removed fees for bodaboda operators four years ago, we will also give tuk-tuk operators in Kilifi relief,” he said.

Mung’aro said the tourism industry had grown over the past four years but insisted that the benefits should extend to residents who depend on it for their livelihoods.

He said his administration would meet tourism stakeholders and government officials to discuss the concerns raised in Watamu.

The proposed meeting is expected to bring together hotel owners and other tourism players as the county government seeks to address complaints over business ownership, licensing and the participation of local traders in the sector.