As hundreds of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates from all over the country troop into Mombasa for the party’s 20th anniversary commemoration, traders and investors in the hospitality sector are all smiles.
Besides the ODM celebrations, business has been booming since the start of November as the port city hosts major national and regional conferences, including the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (Kepsha) conference. In previous years, such an influx of visitors was usually witnessed in December during the high tourism season.
Ms Brenda Muli, who owns and manages several short-stay apartments, says the accommodation industry has gained from the influx. The short-stay concept has in recent years gained popularity, especially among local tourists, compared to renting hotel rooms.
“I’ve been talking to friends to try and secure rooms for some of the teachers, but many told me their short-let houses were completely packed. In fact, some had to turn teachers away,” she said.
Ms Muli added that the high demand has encouraged her to upgrade her facilities to attract and retain future clients.
“I hope some teachers extend their stay so we can earn a little more as they explore the Coast. I’m also excited about the upcoming ODM@20 events, which I’m sure are already creating positive economic ripple effects. The Coast is a prime conference destination and, for this, we are more than ready,” she said.
Traders cash in at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa as head teachers attend the 2025 Kenya Primary School Heads Association Annual Conference in Mombasa in this photo taken on November 13, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation
According to Dr Sam Ikwaye, the executive officer of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, Coast Region, hotel bookings were just one of the many segments of the economy affected by the influx.
“People in the accommodation space, not only the big hotels but also those managing short-stay rentals, unlisted hotels, and even lodgings, are feeling the impact of this influx. The airlines, SGR, and local transport operators such as tuk-tuks are also benefiting,” he said.
Dr Ikwaye, who also serves as the chairperson of the Mombasa Tourism Council, added that the region’s heavy investment in tourism and conferencing has made it a preferred destination for such events.
“Mombasa offers variety, a teacher from a prestigious school may choose to stay in a five-star hotel, while another with a smaller budget may opt for accommodation in Mtwapa. The Coast has invested significantly in tourism, which is why the economy benefits every time conferences are held here,” he said.
The high human traffic at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus provides a clear picture of the ongoing situation. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said plans are underway to acquire additional premium class coaches, due to the overwhelming demand from people wanting to travel to the Coast.
A quick check of the Madaraka Express ticket booking portal shows that the Nairobi-Mombasa train is fully booked on most of the days up to February.
Along the streets, tuk-tuk and boda-boda operators are reaping big, and some have hiked fares to take advantage of the surging numbers of guests.
Delegates leave the Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa after the third day of the 2025 Kenya Primary School Heads Association Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa in this photo taken on November 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation
Mr Oman Bwanaritzo, a boda-boda operator along the Sheikh Zayed–Bombolulu route close to the Kepsha conference venue, says the week has been fruitful as he has been offering transport services to teachers staying in hotels and short-stay rentals within Bombolulu estate.
“Every time guests come to the Coast, it’s a plus for those of us who offer these services. For instance, I usually make between Sh1,000 and Sh1,500 a day, but this week alone, I’ve been going home with about Sh2,500 or even more,” he says.
Food and refreshment vendors have not been left behind. A teacher, Ms Victoria Atieno, says she set up a juice stand next to the head teachers’ conference venue to take advantage of the opportunities.
“The small cup goes for Sh100 and the larger one for Sh150, but I’ve been selling out and restocking. Those who chose to move closer to the venue have really benefited,” she says.
Ms Atieno added that she plans to be at Mama Ngina Waterfront over the weekend, where ODM is planning its 20th anniversary celebrations, to make the most of the influx of visitors coming to the coastal city.
At the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, popularly known as Pirates, vendors say they have benefited from increased purchases.
“On Monday, the numbers were huge. I made profits by hiring chairs,” Mr Said Khamis states. However, he notes that head teachers who visited the beach were too formal to get into the ocean for a swim.
“I major in the hiring of swimming tubes. The head teachers refused to enter into the water, despite my brilliant pitching,” he adds.
Mr Khamis runs a changing room, tube renting and seat hiring business.
On Wednesday, more than 700 Ugandan pupils arrived in Mombasa for a week-long educational tour of the Coast aboard the Madaraka Express.
