Malindi: The government will open a passport office in Malindi early next year to help North Coast residents access travel documents as more seek overseas employment, Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava announced Monday. Speaking at the Gede Comprehensive School in Malindi division during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Mr. Lusava said the move by the State Department for Interior and Citizen Services would end the agony of passport seekers who have to travel to Mombasa and Nairobi for the service.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Lusava stated that from early next year, those applying for passports will no longer need to travel to Mombasa or Nairobi, as passports will be issued locally. He noted that many young people in the region aspiring to work in Arabian countries had faced challenges obtaining passports, and once the office is operational, the challenges will be history.
The administrator also urged residents to take advantage of the newly opened land registry in Malindi town to collect land title deeds, which he advised could be used as collateral for bank loans. He issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, emphasizing that the government would not allow individuals to ruin young lives for illicit profits, affirming that those involved would face the full force of the law.
Additionally, Mr. Lusava condemned the invasion of private land, which he attributed to delays in the expansion of Malindi Airport. He criticized the need for government compensation to squatters occupying land intended for projects, calling it a waste of money.
Mr. Lusava also addressed the issue of violence against elderly individuals accused of witchcraft, mentioning a recent arson incident targeting an elderly person's home. He urged residents to be cautious of unscrupulous pastors exploiting people through false teachings, referencing the Kwa Binzaro cult incident as an embarrassment.
Malindi Sub County Administrator Juliet Mapenzi Ruwa, representing Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro, highlighted various development projects in the sub county. She urged parents to supervise their children during the long holidays to prevent them from joining anti-social groups.
Renowned anti-drugs ambassador Famau Mohamed Famau called for decisive government action against drug traffickers, while Rev Alfred Mwadzidze of the Gede Pastors Fellowship encouraged pastors to join respective fellowships for better monitoring of activities. He also urged pastors to undertake theological training.
Resident Jefwa Yaa appealed to the county administration to elevate the Gede Health Centre, enhance electricity connections, and improve the road network. Before the celebrations began, a minute of silence was observed in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose remains were interred at his late father's home in Bondo Sub County, Siaya County, on Sunday.