All public beaches in Mombasa will be closed on Saturday and Sunday following a warning of adverse weather conditions issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir announced the decision on Friday, stating that the closure could extend into Monday if weather conditions do not improve.
“We’ve resolved to close public beaches for two days, suspend ocean activities, and halt all construction work for public safety. Daily updates will be shared,” Nassir said during a press briefing.
The governor explained that Mombasa’s Disaster Preparedness Committee reached the decision after the Meteorological Department forecast strong winds and ocean waves as high as 2.5 meters.
“If the situation doesn’t improve, access to the beaches will remain restricted for a third day,” he added.
Nassir confirmed that all relevant stakeholders, including fishermen, construction sector workers, and the Kenya Wildlife Service, have been notified to enforce the closures and maintain public safety.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued an advisory on Friday warning residents across several regions—including the Coast, southeastern lowlands, and northwestern Kenya—to prepare for powerful winds over the weekend.
Counties under alert include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
According to the advisory, strong 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) on Monday.
Coastal counties have also been warned to prepare for large ocean waves, with beachgoers and seafarers urged to exercise extreme caution.
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