Mombasa county Transport and infrastructure executive Taufiq Balala has dismissed rumours that he intends to vie for the Mombasa county governor seat.

Balala on Tuesday announced that he will not vie for any political seat within Mombasa County, instead he will continue to serve the Mombasa people in the docket he holds.

Balala was responding to speculation that he was interested in succeeding governor Hassan Joho as the new county boss.

Balala had earlier been seen in a video footage alongside Governor Hassan Joho motioning February 2, 2022 as an important date and many anticipated that he would pronounce his candidature on that date.

“There is a lot of rumours going round saying that I intend to vie for the governor seat, I want to state here that ,I have no intention to contest for any political seat in Mombasa because I want to continue to serve the people of Mombasa in the capacity I hold,” said Balala.

Speaking at a press conference in his office on Tuesday, Balala revealed that the big announcement was to unveil new traffic routes in Mombasa starting Wednesday 2, 2022.

“The big announcement was to unveil the new routes which take effect from tomorrow. I want to state that I still have a lot to achieve working for the people of Mombasa, in this docket I was appointed by governor Hassan Joho."

Starting tomorrow at 5am, Mombasa will unveil new routes entering town and exiting town in the new strategy to eradicate traffic jams.He said the new rules were developed after consultation.

Traffic Marshals will be paraded at different junctions to guide over 10,000 motorists entering and leaving the Mombasa central business district CBD.

In the new directives, the county has banned heavy trucks from entering the CBD, instead they will be allowed to operate between 8pm -5am hours.

All motorists going to the CBD will use Digo Road from Buxton area all the way to Kenya Ferry using one lane while those that are coming from CBD will be required to use the Saba Saba route all the way to Nyali bridge.

“All motorists will be required to follow the set guidelines for the smooth flow of traffic, we have engaged all stakeholders and we will continue to sensitize them on the need to adopt new routes.

Coast region traffic commander Peter Maina said more officers will be deployed on the roads to ensure adherence to the new routes.

“We know there are teething problems but I want to assure that we will continue sensitizing motorists, and it's our hope that they will adapt,”said Maina