14/07/2015
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON REBRANDING OF KASKAZI BEACH HOTEL & ULTRA-MODERN DR. CHARLES GEKUNDA OTARA CONFERENCE CENTRE AT UKUNDA IN MOMBASA ON 15TH AUGUST, 2014
Tourism Investors and Stakeholders, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning,
It fills me with pride and joy to join you for the launch of this beautiful property today. I say this because this is not an ordinary hotel opening in ordinary times. These are quite extra-ordinary times for reasons known to all of us and it’s inspiring to see that we still retain our place as one of the world’s most exquisite tourism destinations and command the confidence of investors.
I use the phrase ‘our place’ deliberately because I want to assure investors and industry stakeholders that my Government will waste no effort nor spare any expense to create the best environment possible for your success.
My Government shall look into ways of providing incentives to encourage investment in tourist accommodation facilities to increase hotel bed capacity across the country which is currently below capacity.
To all tourists, we continue to work to ensure that your stay at these facilities is comfortable and competitively priced. But much more important, I want to reassure you that your safety as a visitor is not negotiable. We welcome you with open arms and we shall protect you during your time here.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The beach, as you can see for yourself, is breathtaking and the view as beautiful as ever. I would like to issue an advisory to all adventurers and travelers all over the world: Welcome and enjoy! This industry is important to this country and this Government will take any and all actions required and necessary to ensure it rises high and long thrives.
My Government has placed a premium on leveraging infrastructure to spark growth and the same strategy holds for the tourism industry. The Dongo Kundu bypass, when completed, will allow tourists the pleasure of moving from the mainland to the South Coast without having to use the ferry. This will introduce convenience as a new dimension to the coastal tourist experience.
The expansion of Malindi Airport will also deliver more convenience for our visitors. The expansion means more flights will land directly in Malindi allowing for easier travel arrangements which are what tourists need and prefer.
Further, the ongoing expansion of JKIA and other major airstrips across the country will go a long way in enhancing access to tourism facilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am aware that Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, working with stakeholders, is engaged in a high level campaign to develop strategies to reshape the tourism industry.
I reiterate my support for this initiative and assure you of my willingness to authorize bold measures and to fully back fresh, divergent and incisive strategies with the resources of my office and this Government.
I want to congratulate the management of Kaskazi for an outstanding development. Thank you for your confidence in this destination at this time and I assure you that you made the right choice.
I congratulate the management of Kaskazi for an outstanding development. Thank you for your confidence in this destination at this time and I assure you that you made the right choice.
It is now my pleasure to declare the Kaskazi Beach Hotel officially opened.
Thank you and God Bless You.
