This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations brought a surge in business for hoteliers and traders in Kwale, with hotels reporting booking rates between 98 and 100 percent for over a week. Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani noted that the festivities led to the construction of the 10,200-capacity Kwale Stadium and upgraded the Kwale County Commissioner’s residence to a mini-state lodge.
“We upgraded several roads covering 10 kilometers to bitumen standards and installed street lights along these roads in preparation for the celebrations,” she added.
Ms. Pauline Nduva, the National Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT), mentioned that the celebrations coincided with various regional and international events in the county. She highlighted that Kwale hosted this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa gala, which attracted guests from around the globe. Hawkers selling madafu, mangoes, and roasted cassava also reported thriving business.
“We had a successful season hosting both local and international guests here. Kwale just hosted this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa gala event, which was a tremendous success,” Nduva stated. Mr. Nduva, also the Operations Manager at the Diani Sea Lodge, noted that many visitors arriving from upcountry did so specifically for the Mashujaa Day celebrations, a significant 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.
