Mombasa governor aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir has pledged to scrap what he termed as unreasonable levies imposed on creative industry in Mombasa should he form the next county government.

Nassir regretted film makers in Mombasa have to contend with exorbitant charges levied when making films thus jeopardizing the sector's social economic growth.

“If you want to do movies in Mombasa there is a certain levy that you have to pay, we are saying scrap all that. One of the biggest hindrances of this creative economy is this unnecessary charge that we have to pay,” said Nassir.

Nassir who is seeking to succeed governor Hassan Joho has outlined among others his plans to spur the fast growing creative industry by ensuring a good thriving environment for sector players.

“We want them to come on board, and In the process of that it is easier for them to tap into local talent, without necessarily having to source people from outside, as long as that talent is from here it will be cost effective,” Said Nassir while addressing student leaders at Komblez hall.

According to the Mvita Mp, his government will set aside a special fund, to help start ups with capital. He said giant companies and film producers will be brought on board to steer the agenda.

“We will create a certain amount of money, as start up capital in the creative industry, and then we will allow an annual extravaganza where the theatre, like in Zanzibar film festival, where you get foreign producers companies to come on board,” said Nassir.

Last month, Nassir held a meeting with a section of creatives from the county where he promised revamp and enhance the directorate of culture and arts to ensure Creatives get the necessary support to turn their talents into livelihoods.

 Nassir further promised to scrap or review license fees imposed by small economies like Mama Samaki and Mama Mboga so that their businesses can thrive.  He said many of the small businesses have suffered due to a very poor environment imposed by the outgoing administration.

”If you tell a lady frying fish to pay sh 7,000 all together, do you think she is able, but if you make it conducive, it can work for them,” he added.

“We will have a revolving fund that will be given as interest free loans that will be accessed by these grassroots economies,” said Nassir saying this has been practical in Mvuita where sh 15 Million is revolving for the past few years.

On issues of drug abuse, Nassir said his government will empower drug rehabilitation centers to ensure they are well stocked with requisite medication so as to accommodate those seeking rehabilitation services.

“Those that have been exposed will have a center where they will continue to get rehabilitation services and we will do so by ensuring we stock and empower the drug rehab centers so as to offer required functions,” said Nassir.

On education matters, as captured in his manifesto, he said he will introduce a system of governance that will factor in needy students in their villages. This according to him will see services devolved to the villages to ensure the needy rightfully benefit.

“We will form grassroots committee’s with civil society groups, religious leaders and all stakeholders who will do vetting within the sub counties so that no needy student is left out and instill transparency in the whole process, “Nassir added.