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Police heighten security as holiday season peaks at the Coast
Local tourists at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa City on August 5, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Hundreds of domestic tourists streaming have been into popular destinations at the Coast.
- In Diani, school holidays are associated with a spike in criminal activities by juvenile gangs.
Security has been intensified across the Coast region as the August holiday season reaches its peak, with hundreds of domestic tourists streaming into popular destinations such as Diani, Mombasa, Malindi and Kilifi.
The number of international tourists is also on the rise with charter flights landing in Mombasa, allowing direct access to the Coast from Europe and other regions.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has assured visitors of their safety, stating that officers have been deployed to all public spaces and beaches to ensure round-the-clock patrols and a quick response to any incidents.
“We are making sure that there are no such incidents. It has been a while since such a crime was reported, and we are grateful because the Coast region has never been this peaceful,” said Mr Nuno.
Local tourists at the entrance of the world-famous Fort Jesus Monument in Mombasa City on August 5, 2025.
Speaking to the Daily Nation, he noted that additional patrols have been placed in tourist hotspots, particularly along the beaches and busy urban streets, during the school holidays.
In Diani, school holidays are associated with a spike in criminal activities by juvenile gangs.
“We want to ensure that there is business going on because this is what will improve the economy of the area. Without safety and security, many stakeholders in the tourism industry and any other person will not have a conducive business environment,” he added.
The assurance came just hours after three suspects were arrested in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, in possession of suspected stolen items.
Police recovered more than 20 mobile phones, gas cylinders, television sets, and watches from the suspects. They also recovered different currency from nine foreign states from the same operation.
Mr Nuno urged residents whose belongings may have been stolen in recent weeks to visit the Mtwapa Police Station and identify the recovered items.
The August holidays have seen a major influx of domestic tourists to the Coast, with families taking advantage of school closures to travel.
In Diani, there has been increased traffic along its beaches, while shopping malls and eateries are reporting a high number of both local and international tourists, boosting the small businesses in the area.
In Mombasa, beaches such as Pirates and Nyali are packed with holidaymakers, especially during the weekends, many of them local tourists on budget getaways.
Local businesses have welcomed the increased security, noting that peaceful conditions are essential for boosting earnings during this crucial travel period.
Mr Nuno said this would also positively affect hotel owners, tour operators and traders across the region who depend on the region’s stability for more bookings and improved sales.
Police have also called on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity through official channels as efforts continue to maintain peace in the region.
The peak season is expected to continue until early next year, after the Christmas festivities.
