Traders operating at the Mama Ngina water had  a rare chance to interact with President William Ruto who toured the facility on Thursday evening.

The president, accompanied by Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mining Cs Salim Mvurya and Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali was welcomed by the traders who had spread their different merchandise for sale.

Elated by the hardworking traders, the president gifted them a sh 100,000 as lunch. The president is on the coast where he will traverse the five counties in the region including Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Tana River.

The president, who looked impressed by the hardworking traders, took his humble time to have a chat with them while enjoying some (Mahindi Choma)’roasted Maize, thanks to a young mahindi Choma hustler.

Nyali Mp Mohamed Ali said president Ruto’s visit is a testimony that the Kenya Kwanza government has put the interest of small scale traders at heart.Ali said the government will walk with grassroots businessmen and women to empower them.

“Elated and pleased to welcome H.E. President William Samoei Ruto to Mombasa this evening. Alongside the Governor of Mombasa, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and other leaders.The president paid a visit to the hardworking small-scale businesses that form the heart and soul of Mombasa at Mama Ngina Drive. The President's presence is a testament to his commitment to uplift every segment of society and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Ali in a Facebook post.

The president began his five days coastal tour on Thursday starting with Mokowe Lamu., where he opened the county commissioner's office and presented cheques to the fishing community in the area.

The President is expected to issue title deeds in Kilifi County and later preside over the rededication ceremony of KNS Shupavu, a Kenyan navy warship that underwent a comprehensive refit at the Kenya Shipyards Limited in Mombasa.

On Saturday the President is expected to preside over the launch of the local vehicle assembly line and chair a meeting bringing together port users and other port stakeholders.