Malindi is ready for the festive season after the completion of the multi-million new ultra-modern waterfront park in Kilifi.
Bunthwani Waterfront Park next to the Indian Ocean was launched last Thursday by Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
Kingi said the project is a game-changer for the tourism sector in Malindi, as the facility offers a wide range of activities and entertainment.
The waterfront park has two beach volleyball pitches and a beach soccer pitch, which can host both local and international tournaments.
It has modern cafeterias and food courts and a site for concerts.
The facility has play facilities for children and ample parking for guests with a spectacular view and cool breeze of the Indian Ocean.
Planning and Urban Development executive Maureen Mwangovya said the Waterfront Park was constructed through the support of the World Bank.
“This is a 300-meter facility that has different components, we have parking space, spaces for sports and restaurants,” she said.
Mwangovya said they welcome people from Malindi, Kilifi and the entire nation to go enjoy the services at the facility.
“This is a game-changer for tourism. It’s going to open up Malindi, Kilifi, Coast and the whole country at large,” she said.
Bunthuani Waterfront Park managing director Ahmed Hassan said the project is one of the biggest in Africa, because once complete it will stretch for almost 9.2 kilometres from Vasco Da Gama Pillar to River Sabaki.
“Once the project is done, we hope to attract local and international tourists. Malindi used to be busy with visitors, and we are going to bring back the lost glory,” he said.
He said a lot of activities are ongoing including a major concert where Tanzanian singer Zuchu performed last Saturday.
Several activities including beach soccer and a volleyball tournament where a Ugandan team played a Kenyan team, took place.
“Soon, we will put up a watersports park, for children to enjoy every weekend. We will introduce jet-skiing, traditional Mijikenda and Swahili events to showcase what Malidini has to offer,” he said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
