- Shahbal says counties do not need to solely depend on money from the National Treasury.
- He said public-private -partnerships will attract more investors into the county, creating more job opportunities that will turn around Mombasa’s economy.
Image: LABAN WALLOGA
Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal is banking on his entrepreneurship experience and connections to revive the county's economy, if elected governor in the August general election.
Shahbal says counties do not need to solely depend on money from the National Treasury.
The aspirant says he will partner with private investors to initiate infrastructure development projects that will create jobs for thousands of Mombasa people.
Being the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf African Bank and boasting of over 25 years experience in the banking industry, Shahbal said he is ready to revive the economy of Mombasa.
He previously worked with Bank of Muscat, the largest commercial bank in Oman, where he served as deputy general manager and head of international operations, where he was instrumental in setting up banks in India, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The setting up of the Gulf African bank was his first priority when he established his investment company.
Prior to working at Bank of Muscat, Shahbal served as vice president of Citi Bank in the Middle East and Europe. He has also served as the chairman of KenTrade.
Speaking in Kongowea ward, Nyali constituency on Sunday where he interacted with residents in his Gumzo na Shahbal engagements, he said Mombasa has capacity to initiate projects like the Sh6 billion Buxton housing project.
“I am a risk taker, having gone bankrupt twice before bouncing back, I have learned to manage risks through my experience.”
He said such public-private -partnerships will attract more investors into the county, creating more job opportunities that will turn around Mombasa’s economy.
“It is not about the powers and privileges that come with being governor, I am running for the seat because I can see how much we can transform this county,” he added.
Shahbal holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from University of Illinois, he studied International Banking at the University of Colorado- Boulder and a holder of Global MBA from United States International University.
He is currently pursuing his PhD in business and management at Strathmore University.
He promised to provide an enabling environment for investors and businesses to thrive, promising to initiate other PPP projects in waste recycling, the fishing industry and ICT among others to create jobs.
He has also been vocal about the upcoming Special Economic Zone that will be established once the construction of the multi-billion shilling Dongo Kundu road is completed.
“We shall establish modern technical polytechnics in each subcounty to ensure our youth will be ready with the required skills, we need to prepare them for the job market,” he said.
He added that his administration will fast track the zoning of single business permits and would make provision of soft loans to all small traders and SMEs.
He further promised to construct markets in each subcounty and support local traders by enabling export of locally made products to the international market.
“We have an agenda of supporting the Jua Kali industry through the provision of modern equipment and also look for a ready market for their finished products,” he said.
Shahbal also promised to come up with centres for the youth and women that he said will be instrumental in providing them with opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect them with funds and markets.
The aspirant promised to support single mothers saying he understands the struggles they go through to raise their children.
-Edited by SKanyara