MOMBASA PORT AND ITS IMPACT 

Mombasa has had ownership of the port and operations running since the time the Portuguese and Arabs came to East Africa for slave trade in the 18th century. In December 2019 however, the previous government shifted the operations from Mombasa to Naivasha. In September 14th this year, the new government ordered the return of the port back to Mombasa.

The port has brought immense growth to the economy of Mombasa. Both positively and negatively. Its residents and especially those with qualifications have benefited with jobs hence reducing the dependency rate. Mombasa has gotten back its pride since the port is one of the many things it's known for and what makes it unique compared to other cities.

The port is the key entry and exit point for most cargo that are distributed in East African countries. This keeps businesses running smoothly. Those involved in both large scale and small scale businesses are able to run their businesses without the worry of having to pay huge taxes at a loss.The relationship between countries is enhanced and this helps with the growth of the country at large.

On the other hand however, the port has its negative effects to bother the people living in the area and the environment. The fumes and waste from the ships transporting the cargo lead to loss of habitat to the marine life. The fish and all he other creatures that live in the sea and the ocean lack a safe place to breathe due to the contaminated water and they end up dying. This affects the fishermen who depend on fishing for their livelihood.This becomes a loss on their side. The Kenya Ports Authority KPA has warned fishermen against fishing near the ships by a distance of 8 kilometres. This has contributed to the decrease in their fish produce and earnings by atleast 95%.

The drug cartels around the coast region use this as the easiest way to transport their drugs. They distribute these drugs to different parts and sell them to the youth. There are so many zombies created by the consumption of those drugs. Others even end up mad. The results are the deterioration of the economy since the young who have the strength to work can no longer do so since they are addicted to drugs and no longer have strength to work.

Overpopulation is another issue. People from different parts of the country and even the world have settled in Mombasa with the hope of security jobs in the port. Others because they have started businesses that involve the port, like selling cars which requires them to go through the port. The huge number of people has contributed to pollution. Dump sites have increased because people consume a lot and their method of disposal is not right.

We all have to work together to ensure the ports brings us more good than harm.