Mombasa, Malindi and Kisumu to have waterfront parks

MOMBASA, KENYA: The Government is moving with speed to modernise scenic waterfront locations in key tourist and commercial towns of Mombasa, Malindi and Kisumu in a bid to offer exiting experience for visitors as it seeks to increase tourist numbers.

Speaking in Mombasa, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala said that after the launch of construction work of the Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront Development, the next stop will be in Malindi, Kilifi County where a similar project will be carried out.

Balala added that the other stop will be on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu County.

''I shall be paying a courtesy call to Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang Nyongo as the government seeks to re-develop waterfront facilities and add to visitor excitement as we seek to diversify our tourism attractions,'' he said.

In the meantime, construction of the new Mama Ngina Waterfront Park will be complete in six month’s time.

The scenic park dotted with century old Baobab trees that was in recent times under the care of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is to be spruced up into a modern facility complete with an amphitheatre that can take upto 1000 people on terrace seating, Presidential square and waterway, walkways, a cultural centre, pigeon coops, container kiosks, several ablution blocks and two iconic gateways.

Already a local contractor, Suhufi Agencies has moved to the site in readiness for the work.

The facility, which borders the Indian Ocean at the Likoni ferry channel has received from the National Treasury sh460 million in the financial year 2018/2019 as a one -off budget item under the Tourism recovery to undertake and complete the project.