Government eyes 5 beaches, 4 islands in tourism privatisation plan

Through the Kenya National Tourism Strategy (2025-2030) draft, the Ministry of Tourism said that there is an urgent need to re-engineer Kenya’s tourism product development, which will need a significant recalibration.

The Ministry aims to establish a beach classification model that will help identify strategic beaches, each determining the calibre of tourists visiting them.

The Ministry said that there will be four beach categories, including the premium/exclusive, family and leisure, ecotourism and cultural, adventure and sports.

Exclusive beaches are being targeted to have private villas, airstrips, boutique resorts, and private golf courses targeting "high-net-worth individuals".

The draft proposes strict zoning and beach management rules to be installed "for privacy, security, and exclusivity".

Beaches listed under this category are the Vipingo Beach in Kilifi, Tiwi Beach in Kwale, Kuruwitu Beach in Kilifi and Msambweni Beach in Kwale.

Family beaches like Diani beach, Nyali beach, Bamburi beach and Watamu beach will have public access with amenities suitable for families, group tourism, and general recreation.

Shimoni Beach in Kwale, Shela, Kipungani and Kiwayu beaches in Lamu, and Takaungu in Kilifi will be marked as ecotourism beaches for their rich culture and heritage.

Watamu and Malindi beaches in Kilifi, Gazi beach in Kwale, Nyali and Bamburi in Mombasa will also be categorized under the adventure/sports beaches owing to their rich water sports investments and marine parks.

The Ministry says that this will therefore need an investment criterion, under private ownership, private concessions or long-term island leasing models.

"The aim is to encourage the development of high-end facilities such as luxury beach clubs and boutique hotels, private marine access points (for yachts, diving, etc.), and helipads or private airstrips," read the draft in part.

This will see Chale and Funzi islands in Kwale, Kiwayu and Manda Toto islands in Lamu being marked for privatization.

Five beaches, among them Takaungu and Vipingo in Kilifi, Msambweni in Kwale, Kipungani and Matondoni in Lamu, have also been included in the list.

To enhance accessibility to these areas, the Ministry has proposed the upgrading of Malindi Airport to international status, opening Moi International Airport to more direct international carriers, strengthening regional airstrips (e.g., Ukunda and Lamu) for regional jet capacity and scheduled service and also improving road networks and signage to beach areas from inland circuits.

The Ministry avers that these strategies will allow Kenya to remain competitive in the global tourism market, noting that they will unlock new markets and promote sustainable economic growth.