MOMBASA independent governor aspirant Tendai Mtana has promised to prioritise tourism if elected governor. He said tourism, the centre of Mombasa's economy, should be upgraded to meet international standards to compete with other countries.

"I picked my running mate Titus Kangangi the chairperson of the Regional Business Association and I know he will help me in managing tourism and business sector because of experience the has," said Mtana.

He was speaking at the Mombasa Church Forum debate for governor aspirants. The debate, organised at the weekend by MCF, brought together aspirants, the clergy and wananchi.

Other aspirants present included Hassan Joho of ODM, Suleiman Shahbal of Wiper, Abdalla Mwaruwa of TNA and Ibrahim Hamis alias Babangida of Republican Congress Party.

He said that he believes his choice of running mate was the best because all the important economic sectors in Mombasa will be well-catered for.

"Mombasa resident should trust me because I have the right partner with whom we can handle the business and tourism sector which are the backbone of this county," he added.