MOMBASA County—Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir has expressed confidence that his administration’s development record will earn him another term in office as political activity begins to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Junda, the Governor said his focus remains firmly on delivering tangible results for residents rather than engaging in early political campaigns, insisting that voters will ultimately judge leaders based on their performance and impact on people’s lives.
Nassir noted that significant progress has been made across key sectors since he assumed office, adding that the transformation being witnessed in various parts of the county demonstrates his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to residents.
“Our responsibility is to deliver. The record speaks through the projects we have implemented, the services we have improved, and the opportunities we continue to create for our residents,” said Nassir.
The Governor highlighted ongoing collaboration between the county and national governments to accelerate the issuance of title deeds, describing land ownership as a critical pillar of economic empowerment, wealth creation and social stability.
According to Nassir, thousands of residents have for years faced uncertainty due to lack of ownership documents, a challenge his administration continues to address through engagement with relevant national government agencies.
He also pointed to investments in healthcare and education, saying the sectors remain at the heart of his administration’s development agenda. Nassir maintained that improving access to quality healthcare services and educational opportunities is essential to enhancing the wellbeing and future prospects of Mombasa residents.
The Governor said the county government has continued to invest in health facilities, improve service delivery and expand support for learners through various education programmes aimed at reducing barriers to learning.
He further cited ongoing infrastructure projects and efforts to attract new investments as part of a broader strategy to position Mombasa as a leading economic hub along the Coast region.
Hotly contested
Nassir’s remarks come at a time when the race for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat is beginning to take shape, with several prominent political figures already expressing interest in challenging him in the 2027 polls.
Among those who have declared or publicly signalled interest in the seat are former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and UDA Secretary General and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Hassan Omar Hassan.
The trio has in recent months stepped up criticism of the county administration, accusing it of underperformance and questioning its effectiveness in addressing some of the challenges facing residents.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has been particularly vocal in scrutinising county projects and service delivery, while Hassan Omar, a former Mombasa Senator and seasoned Coast politician, has repeatedly argued that the county requires a different leadership approach to unlock its full potential.
Former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo has also positioned himself as a potential alternative, calling for greater focus on development and improved delivery of services across the county.
Unbowed
Despite the criticism, Nassir has remained steadfast, dismissing allegations of incompetence and maintaining that his administration’s achievements will speak for themselves when voters head to the ballot in 2027.
The Governor insists that the true measure of leadership lies not in political rhetoric but in the ability to deliver meaningful change through development programmes that directly benefit residents.
Political observers expect the 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial contest to be among the most closely watched races at the Coast, given the county’s strategic economic importance and the calibre of leaders already positioning themselves for the seat.
For now, Nassir says his priority remains delivering on his promises and completing ongoing projects, expressing confidence that Mombasa residents will make their decision based on the track record of leaders seeking their mandate.
