A Mombasa hotelier has called on the county government to light up all the roads in the county. Sarova Whitesands Hotel Food and Beverage manager Mike Mutua said the poor lighting aids crime in Mombasa.

Speaking on Saturday during the annual media dinner organised by the hotel, Mutua said tourism can only flourish if everyone is feels safe to walk around at any time.

"If we say Mombasa is beautiful, let us see its beauty even in the dark," he said. He urged the county government to step up street lighting and the fight against crime especially with high tourist season round the corner.

He said their hotel has about 80 per cent bookings for the coming high seasonand they expect more visitors during this December holiday.

Mutua said hotels spend a lot of money on running generators and called for steady supply of electricity. "We incur losses due to these unending power problems in our region," he said.

He said Mombasa is very hot and visitors cannot stay in their hotel rooms without air conditioners.

The garbage issue in town has also been termed as one of the greatest challenge that the county government has been unable to fully tackle.

He said using Kibarani as a dumpsite has worsened the situation because the only road in and out of Mombasa passes next to the dumpsite.

"The site is an eyesore for both the locals and foreigners who use the road to come to Mombasa during this year's December holiday," said Mutua.