Nairobi, October 27 -The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled plans to privatise five beaches and four islands located in Kwale, Lamu, and Kilifi counties as part of efforts to attract private investment and boost the country’s tourism sector.
According to the draft National Tourism Strategy 2025–2030, the islands identified for privatisation include Chale, Funzi, Kiwayu, and Manda, while the beaches listed are Takaungu, Msambweni, Vipingo, Kipungani, and Matondoni.
The ministry proposes to adopt various privatisation models, including private ownership, private concessions, and long-term leasing agreements. The goal is to encourage the development of upscale tourism infrastructure such as luxury beach clubs, boutique hotels, yacht access points, diving facilities, helipads, and private airstrips.
To ensure sustainable and responsible investment, the ministry says the process will include safeguards such as minimum capital requirements, environmental protection measures, employment quotas, and sustainability commitments.
“This will involve identifying and designating specific beaches and islands for private investment under either private ownership, concessions, or long-term leasing models,” reads part of the report.
The strategy also proposes a new beach classification framework aimed at marketing Kenya’s coastal destinations to different types of visitors. The planned categories include premium beaches, family and leisure beaches, ecotourism and cultural beaches, and adventure and sports beaches similar to the National Park Categorisation Framework used by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Each category will have clear standards for destination management, branding, marketing, and investment promotion, supported by a structured beach management programme.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has invited the public to share feedback on the proposed strategy, which is available on the ministry’s website. According to a public notice issued on Sunday, October 26, nationwide public participation forums will take place from Monday, October 27 to Wednesday, October 29.
