Kwale town sheds ‘sleepy’ image after municipality upgrade

For years, residents grappled with poor infrastructure, garbage-strewn streets, stagnant water, and neglected public spaces.

Today, the town is emerging as a hub of commerce and modern urban life.

“Kwale was a place where you couldn’t even tell where the drainage went. Garbage was everywhere; there was a terrible smell, and dirt was piled up. 

Our small roads were basically footpaths,” recalled Mwanarusi Saria, Director of Kuriradzulu Women Limited, a community-based cleaning company.

The turnaround began after the county government upgraded the town to municipal status, unlocking fresh development plans and creating a conducive business environment.

New cabro-paved and tarmacked roads — including the stretch from Kwale Wildlife Services to Chitsanze — improved drainage, street and flood lighting, and revamped public spaces such as the iconic Baraza Park have changed the town’s face. Security has improved, enabling businesses to operate late into the night.

“For many years, this town had stagnated, but I believe you’ve all seen the positive changes happening. Even small businesses are moving forward; Kwale is expanding,” said Governor Fatuma Achani.

Home to over 10,000 residents, mainly from the Mijikenda community, Kwale is experiencing a boom in entrepreneurship, with more than 500 small-scale traders now active in its growing economy.

“Looking at the state of business now, we can say there’s been significant achievement. The roads are good, and we now have market lights, which help us a lot, especially in the evenings,” said businessman Geoffrey Muriuki.

Municipality Manager Mwanawani Sheti said the transformation has altered perceptions about the town: “People used to say Kwale is a sleepy town, but now Kwale is vibrant and alive. Everyone is coming — investors, tourists, and entrepreneurs.”

The facelift has not only centered on infrastructure but also on sanitation and environmental conservation.

Women and youth-led organizations, including Kuriradzulu Women Limited and Kudzecha from Tsimba Golini Ward, have been contracted by the county to provide cleaning services.

“We unclogged drains, cleared bushes, and landscaped with flowers. Kwale is now clean, not like before,” said Saria, reflecting on their journey since winning their first government tender in October 2024.

Kwale Town is among four urban centers — alongside Diani, Kinango, and Lungalunga — that have been elevated to municipality status as part of the county government’s wider push for sustainable urbanization, investment attraction, and improved quality of life.