Eleven years after suffering one of Kenya’s deadliest terrorist attacks, Mpeketoni town in Lamu County is steadily rising from the ashes.
Last week, the town successfully hosted the Coast Secondary School Regional Term Two Games. The achievement came amid scepticism from some education and sports stakeholders concerned about the State of security in the area.
For many, the mention of Mpeketoni still evokes memories of death, destruction and instability. This stems from the night attack of June 15, 2014 when heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants raided the town , killing at least 100 people. Over 30 buildings and 40 vehicles were torched. Since then, residents and government agencies have worked tirelessly to restore Mpeketoni’s reputation and attract investors.
It was therefore a major milestone for the town when Mpeketoni Boys Secondary School hosted the games organised by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association.
Mr Stewarts Otieno, a sports enthusiast from Nairobi, said the games completely changed his perception of Mpeketoni and Lamu.
“Everything I used to hear about Mpeketoni and Lamu was negative, mostly about Al-Shabaab and insecurity. But this is my fifth day here in Mpeketoni and I will return to Nairobi with a completely changed perspective,” he said.
The games were officially flagged off by Governor Issa Timamy on July 3. The tournament brought together top school teams from the six Coast counties.
County Sports Director Peter Ndichu said the three-day event that ended on Saturday attracted over 10,000 people, including teachers, students and visitors from other parts of the country.
Mpeketoni High School in Lamu County which hosted the Coast Region Secondary School Term 2 Games .
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“We had so many teams participate in the games. Our pitches were all lit up with excitement, and we are very happy,” he said.
Most sectors of Mpeketoni’s economy experienced a significant boost during the games. Traders, boda boda operators, hotel and guest house owners and both private and public transport providers were overwhelmed by demand.
Ms Saamiya Mohamed, who owns the Mpeketoni British Guest House and Hotel expressed gratitude to the government for ensuring the region regains peace and stability. A victim of the 2014 attacks, she believes security was the key reason the sports association chose Mpeketoni Boys Secondary School as this year’s host. She said the games played a huge role in helping the town heal from the scars of terrorism.
“During the three to four days of the games, we hiked our prices. A hotel room that normally goes for Sh2,000 per night was rented at Sh3,000. One we usually let at Sh1,500 went for Sh2,500. All the hotels were fully booked thanks to the games,” she said.
Mr Francis Waweru, a hotel and restaurant owner said he received three times his usual number of customers during the games. He urged the association to continue picking Mpeketoni for such events, saying they boost confidence among both residents and visitors.
“We received hundreds of guests, mostly from other counties, who came to watch the ball games. It was a huge boost for our customer base. The three days brought in great profits,” said Mr Waweru.
Ms Margaret Mugo, a guest house owner, shared similar sentiments, indicating that all 12 of her rooms were fully booked for the duration of the event.
Boda boda operators were equally happy. Mr Geoffrey Kamau from Bahari village, about eight kilometres from the school, temporarily relocated to Mpeketoni town to take advantage of the visitor influx.
“Even before the games began, my colleagues told me Mpeketoni town had many customers arriving early. I immediately relocated and I do not regret it as I made a lot of money. I wish the games could go on longer,” she aid.
Salim Omar (left) of Serani Secondary School from Mombasa challenges Musa Mohammed of Tononoka Boys Secondary School during their final football match of the Coast Region Secondary Schools Term 2 Games at Mpeketoni Boys Secondary School on July 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
County Education Director Zachary Mutuiri described the games as “magnificent”, praising the strong turnout. Chief Officer for Tourism Joyce Murimi said the event helped promote Lamu as a destination for sports, tourism and investment.
“We hope these games hosted in Mpeketoni will inspire many to return,” said Ms Murimi.
Mr Timamy thanked the organisers for choosing Lamu and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to peace, hospitality and sports development.
County Commissioner Wesley Koech urged visitors, sports lovers and investors to trust in the county’s stability.
“The peace and stability in Mpeketoni and Lamu is not just thanks to security agencies, it is a result of collaborative efforts by all. Let’s keep sharing information to ensure our collective security,” said Mr Koech.
