Beachgoers in Mombasa will have to leave the shoreline by 6 pm throughout the festive season under new safety measures unveiled by county authorities.
The directive, announced during an interview on Wednesday, December 10, is meant to curb rising cases of drowning and ensure smooth security operations as holidaymakers flock to the coast.
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani said officers will clear beaches at the set time, with security teams using whistles to guide the evacuation. He noted that no one will be allowed to remain in the water or stay within the beach perimeter once the signal is given.
"When it reaches 6 pm, our officers shall be blowing whistles so that people may get out of the water so that they may not be affected by high tide, and also prevent drowning," Kimani said.
He explained that joint teams from the county, Kenya Navy and other security units will conduct routine patrols using boats to monitor activities along the coastline and respond to emergencies. The move comes as the county braces for a surge in local and international tourists during the holiday period.
Alongside the beach closure order, Kimani revealed that new beach management committees have been created to safeguard visitors from harassment by beach boys and hawkers. The teams draw membership from the Kenya Wildlife Service, General Police, Tourist Police and Coast Guard.
"We have put strategies to ensure that people enjoy the festive season until the new year. We know that many tourists will flood beaches during the festive season, so we have formed beach management committees," he said.
"These committees will ensure that all people who are enjoying themselves on the beaches are not bothered by beach boys and hawkers," he added.
The directive came shortly after a statement by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who instructed all event organisers, promoters, venue owners and institutions to seek approval from the county’s disaster management committee before hosting any functions.
He said the requirement applies to all events, whether free or ticketed, and regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors.
"The Constitution of Kenya assigns county governments functions relating to cultural activities, public entertainment, public amenities, and disaster management," Nassir said.
The governor’s directive is intended to strengthen safety and emergency planning as crowds gather across the county for festivities.
