Holidaymakers’ paradise ridden with controversy

By Amos Kareithi

Malindi, which is regarded as Kenya’s "Small Italy" has for decades acted as a magnet, drawing the super rich, the famous and some outlaws from all over the world.

The area, blessed with pristine sun kissed beaches, has been a favourite destination for Italian tycoons and holiday seekers eager to escape the hustles and bustles of Italy.

Government statistics puts the number of privately owned villas in the North Coast at 12,000, with Malindi accounting for close to a half of this.

Lucrative Business

During the high season which starts in August running up to March, Malindi receives more than 10,000 tourists. Out of these tourists, 4,000 are from Italy and are taken to secretive private villas.

Italian Consul in Malindi, Roberto Macri says there are 800 Italians who have invested in hotels and villas in the district.

Controversy and tragedies have plagued the villa and hotel industry in the area like fleas to a dog.

The controversies rage from arson, tax evasion, sex tourism and exploitation of workers.

The history of tourism in Malindi is littered with seasonal fires, which occur when the facilities are closed and most of their owners are in Europe.

Worrying Trend

Between January and July, about five hotels and 300 villas have gone up in flames causing losses of billions of shillings.

In 2005, about 150 villas went up in flames in an explosion, which killed two people and reduced billion of shillings to rubbles.

In 2004, 28 villas caught fire in Malindi which consumed property worth over Sh100 million.

After the fire, police launched investigations of possible arson attacks as the hotel was embroiled in a bitter pay dispute with its workers.

About six years ago, a hotel chain incurred heavy losses estimated to be over Sh1 billion after four of its luxurious hotels with a combined bed capacity of 100 guests went up in smoke in a mysterious inferno. Its property has again been gutted this year.