Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu Launches Kenya's First-Ever Artificial Dryland Beach

Kenya’s first-ever artificial beach has been opened in Kitui County.

The dryland beach was commissioned this week by Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu in the outskirts of Kitui town.

The man-made beach is part of the Kalundu Eco Park project that sits on a 30.9-acre parcel of land developed for recreational purposes. In front of the beach is a dam sitting on nine acres of land.

“…We have literally brought the Kenyan Coast into Kitui. A 30.9-acre recreational development that includes a 9 acre dam we are developing to harness Kitui’s tourism potential,” said Governor Ngilu.

Ngilu indicated that the developer plans to build a floating restaurant on the site and have water sports such as jet skiing and kayaking.

The Kitui county government is banking on the public-private partnership project located along Majengo-Ithookwe road to attract tourists.

Governor Ngilu said the recreational park will allow residents who are unable to travel to the coast during such times as Christmas to enjoy the feeling of having a beach in their own town.

"This is an investment that will spur business opportunities inside and outside the eco-park and create employment," adde Ngilu.

The project elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans with some hailing Ngilu’s administration for creatively investing in tourism while others termed it a “misplaced priority.”

Jerry Kithingo said: “I think this is a misplaced priority. How do people enjoy beaching when they lack drinking water? The fact there is no inch of piped water outside the municipality and all projects stalled. On a positive note, if the affordable housing is well intended. That’s a worthy cause.”

Jared Jaro Mariita wrote: “Amazing and awesome job, it will go a long way to improve the economy of Kitui and by extension improve living conditions of kitui people.”

Amos Ole Tin’gai noted: “You are doing an amazing job…from industries to recreational centres like this that will be a great source of income for women and youth, you deserve a place in the national political discourse. All the 46 slaying governors should benchmark with Kitui.”

@FaizMonago quipped: “Mama Rainbow wacha hizi, pea watu maji Safi ya kunywa kwanza. Give people hope. Tourism and entertainment is only enjoyed by people who have eaten and drunk water to their fill.”