
Shanzu Beachfront
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Call for Regulatory Measures as Tourists Experience Rising Harassment at Kenya's Beaches
Recent incidents of harassment involving tourists at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Mombasa have ignited concerns among stakeholders in Kenya's coastal tourism sector. One such event saw a lone tourist confronted by two young men, her situation only improved when a nearby trader intervened. Similar encounters are increasingly common across prominent beach destinations in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties.
Historically, beach boys—local vendors engaging tourists with various goods—have played a role in the coastal economy, selling souvenirs and offering services. However, this dynamic has shifted, as some individuals have begun soliciting sexual favours for payment, leading to growing perceptions of beach boys as security threats. Once considered a charming aspect of the tourist experience, many such vendors are now viewed through a lens of concern, with many being school dropouts.
In light of these developments, calls for the regulation of beach activities are becoming more urgent. Local government officials and tourism stakeholders are actively working to establish regulatory frameworks. In Diani, Kwale County, a mix of legitimate traders offering products like coconut milk and boat services coexist with those who harass tourists. Sally Mathenge, Chairperson of the South Coast Local Tour Operators, highlights the volume of complaints received from tourists regarding beach harassment, attributing the chaos to a lack of clear operational guidelines.
In response, the Kwale Beach Management Bill 2025 is currently being drafted, aimed at ensuring safety and order along the beaches. Inspector Godfrey Parteneu from the Diani Tourist Police Unit confirms the occurrence of tourist harassment but notes a decline attributed to ongoing educational efforts directed at beach operators and a round-the-clock surveillance system designed to detect potential threats. The anticipated legislation seeks to regulate beach operations sustainably and enhance the overall safety of visitors.
Sam Ikwaye, Executive of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast Region, emphasizes the importance of regulation in fostering accountability among beach businesses, pointing out that disorganized beach environments have previously led to tourist dissatisfaction. Efforts are also underway in Kilifi County to implement a code of conduct for beach management to establish behavioural standards to protect and advance the region's tourism industry.
Certain hotels in Watamu have taken proactive measures, securing their beachfront and hiring security personnel to mitigate harassment concerns. Underlying these issues is a broader context of youth unemployment and idleness, with many of the harassers identified as school dropouts with limited income options. Mwakamba Beach Management Unit Chairperson Suleiman Mwamnono notes that some individuals engaging in harassment may also struggle with substance abuse. He stresses the need for a transformative approach among beach operators to address these detrimental practices.