At regular intervals, a line of school buses arrives at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, quickly filling the parking lot and releasing a wave of students eager to enjoy the coastal charm during the August holidays.
As the students leisurely wander along the waterfront, they sample a variety of snacks, drinks, and ice creams to refresh themselves after their journey. The cool sea breeze, infused with a hint of salt, offers a welcome relief from the sweltering heat of the Port City, easing their fatigue.
At the waterfront’s edge, the students are met by the tranquil Indian Ocean, its vibrant blue waters stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the sandy shore and the occasional splash against ancient coral walls adds a touch of magic to the scene.
Above, the crows’ screeches and wing-flaps serve as a reminder of Mombasa’s wild beauty.
This weekend, the waterfront will come alive with the Mombasa Fiesta. Ali Noor, the coordinator for Mama Ngina Waterfront, promises a lively celebration of coastal culture, featuring a bustling food bazaar, traditional attire displays, entertainment, and talent shows.
“Mombasa is renowned for its delectable cuisine. We want people to come and savor our culture, especially during the school holidays. They’ll have a chance to experience the true essence of Mombasa,” Noor shared. Foods like samosas, bajias, and viazi vya ukwaju, all fried to a seductive golden brown and served with refreshing sharubati or juice, will be in abundance.
The initiative aims to elevate tourism standards in the region, with Noor revealing plans to make such events a bi-monthly attraction at the Waterfront, drawing both locals and visitors alike.
Mombasa International Festival Managing Director, Mzee Mwinyi Mzee, highlights the shift in contemporary tourism, where activities beyond hotel stays define the experience.
“Activities bring value to tourism. After visiting hotels and beaches, what more can visitors enjoy? That’s where the Mombasa Fiesta comes in. We chose Mama Ngina because it’s a central hub,” Mzee explained. The fiesta will also feature exhibitions from state corporations, private entities, individual enterprises, as well as music and fun-filled events.
Fiesta Chairman Charles Kitula has assured that youth, especially content creators, will be prominently featured in the creative economy during the event. Over the two-day festival, high-speed free Wi-Fi will be provided to facilitate content creation and sharing. “We want content creators to come, create, and showcase what Mombasa has to offer.
This will be a bi-monthly event, and its success relies on active participation,” Kitula emphasized.
Mama Ngina Waterfront is not only a contemporary attraction but also a site rich in history. It began as the first human settlement, evolved into a crucial route in the East African slave and ivory trade, served as a military base, and has now become a popular recreational spot.
