Kenya Proposes Privatizing Public Beaches and Islands to Boost Tourism
NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to revitalize its coastal tourism sector, the Kenyan government has unveiled a draft strategy that proposes leasing several public beaches and islands to private developers for the creation of luxury eco-resorts.
The Ministry of Tourism’s 2025-2030 plan targets five public beaches and four islands across the coastal counties of Kwale, Lamu, and Kilifi. The initiative aims to attract up to $2 billion in investment, create jobs, and improve local infrastructure. This comes in response to a reported 15% drop in tourist arrivals along the coast in 2024, with officials citing intense competition from rival destinations like Zanzibar.
The beaches identified for potential private concession are:
· Takaungu
· Msambweni
· Vipingo
· Kipungani
· Matondoni
The islands named in the plan are:
· Chale
· Funzi
· Kiwayu
· Manda
However, the proposal has been met with significant public backlash. On social media platform X, many Kenyans have voiced strong opposition, criticizing the plan as a privatization of public assets. Critics argue that the development of luxury resorts could limit access for local communities and favor foreign investors over domestic interests.
The story, which has been widely discussed online, continues to develop. The government’s draft strategy is likely to face further scrutiny and debate as it moves toward implementation.
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