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Public beaches in Mombasa will be closed on Saturday and Sunday following a warning from the Meteorological Department about dangerous weather conditions along the coast.
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Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir announced the temporary closure, stating that the beaches could remain shut through Monday if the weather fails to improve.
The decision was reached after a meeting of the Mombasa Disaster Preparedness Committee, which acted on forecasts of strong winds and high ocean waves.
“We’ve decided to close all public beaches for the weekend, suspend marine activities, and stop construction projects to safeguard the public. Updates will be provided daily,” said the governor.
He warned that wave heights could reach up to 2.5 metres.
“If the weather shows no signs of improving, access to the beaches will remain restricted for a third day,” he added.
Governor Nassir said that fishermen, construction workers, and the Kenya Wildlife Service had all been notified to help enforce the directive and ensure public safety.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised residents in the Coast, southeastern lowlands, and northwestern regions to prepare for strong winds over the next three days.
In a Friday, May 23 advisory, the department listed several counties—Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale—as areas at risk of damaging winds.
According to the forecast, southerly winds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 m/s) were expected on Friday, intensifying to over 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday and Sunday before easing to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) by Monday.
The department also warned of high ocean waves along the coastal counties of Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi over the same period.
