Traders rake in profits in Kwale on Mashujaa Day

Some of the attendees who filled the 10,200 capacity Kwale Stadium for the Mashujaa day celebration in Kwale County on Sunday 20th October 2024. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

It was booming businesses for hoteliers and traders in Kwale during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations. Hoteliers reported between 98 and 100 percent bookings for over a week.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said the fete led to construction of the 10,200-capacity Kwale Stadium and elevating of the Kwale County Commissioner’s residence to a mini-state lodge.  

She said several roads covering 10 kilometres had been upgraded to bitumen standard and street lights mounted along the roads during preparations for the celebrations.

Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) National chairperson, Ms Pauline Nduva said the celebrations coincided with several other regional and international functions in the county.

She said the county hosted this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa gala which attracted guests from across the globe. Madafu, mangoes, and roasted cassava hawkers also reported good business.

“We had a good season hosting both local and international guests here. Kwale just hosted this year's World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa region gala event which was hugely successful,'' said Nduva.

Mr Nduva who is also the Operations manager at the Diani Sea Lodge said most people who checked in from upcountry arrived specifically for the Mashujaa Day celebrations which is a state function.

She added that the weekend leading to the Mashujaa Day celebrations has come as a blessing as most hotels reported full bookings.

''There are guests who have had to check elsewhere for accommodation since hotels in and around Diani are fully booked,'' she said adding that this is good for tourism albeit for a shorter period.

She added that the completion and operationalisation of the Dongo Kundu bypass and the planned elevation of the Diani Airport is a big boost to not only tourism in Kwale but the general economy.

"We have seen infrastructure upgrade coming in the name of a modern sports stadium, tarmacked roads as well as a State Lodge right in our midst,'' the hotelier said.

A freelance tour operator, Anthony Pete, said that Kwale is being thrust once again into the national limelight with a state-of-the-art stadium, well-paved roads, and a state lodge.

''We hope there will be ripple effects of all these facilities hosting the Mashujaa Day Celebrations. Kwale ought to be considered to host many national events due to its proximity to Mombasa and the many star-rated hotel facilities for accommodation,” Pete said.

Mr Alfan Jecha Tisi, a Kwale resident said that having a state lodge built in Kwale makes them closer to power.

“We know there are times when the Head of State will be coming to spend days here with us and this idea to put up a state lodge is highly commendable,” he said.