Government urged to issue free visa movement to cruise ship crew

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has urged the national government to provide free visa movement to the crew of the cruise ship which has docked at the port of Mombasa.

He said this request is not for crew of any specific vessel but of all vessels when they call at the port city and other Kenyan ports.

“The government should consider this request as a two-way traffic and not just one-way,” he pointed out.

Abdulswamad defended his request saying it will enable the crew to sample the cultural activities and enjoy their temporary stay.

He made the remarks during the official opening of the MV Logos Hope floating library to members of the public along the famous Mbaraki Wharf at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza presided over the ceremony.

The governor said his request will enable the crew to visit historical sites and national parks which will lead to revenue collection.

Abdulswamad asked the government to hasten to make his appeal a reality for the crew to enjoy the county’s hospitality.

He disclosed the vessel is a dream and hope and congratulated the team which has made the visit of the vessel to the county possible.

“The testimony of the vessel is like a village and the world co-existing and to love each other,” he pointed out.         

The vessel’s director Edward David disclosed this is the first visit for the world’s largest floating library at the port of Mombasa.  

He said the sister vessel had visited the county two times in 1993 and 2005 and this third time it is the visit by the world’s largest floating library.

“We are excited to visit this time through the floating library book fair,” he pointed out.

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