All public beaches in Mombasa, including Jomo Kenyatta (Pirates), Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Shelly, Tiwi, Maasai, English Point, Kanamai, and Kikambala, remain closed following a directive issued by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The governor’s statement, released from his office, announced the immediate two-day closure of these beaches.
In addition to beach closures, the directive suspended all ocean-based commercial and recreational activities, such as fishing and water sports. Construction activities were also halted due to “the high risk posed by wind-related hazards,” with contractors instructed to secure their sites.
The decision was made in response to an advisory released on Thursday, May 22, 2025, by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The advisory warned of “strong southerly winds and large waves along the Kenyan Coast.” Specifically, the Kenya Met Department predicted “strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s)” along the coast, with speeds expected to “strengthen to over 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25,” before “subsiding to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Monday, May 26.”
Additionally, “wave heights were likely to exceed 2 metres over the coastal waters from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, before reducing to below 2 metres on Monday.”
Governor Nassir also ordered a temporary halt to construction activities, citing “the high risk posed by wind-related hazards,” and instructed contractors to secure their sites.
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s broader advisory warned of strong winds and large waves impacting several regions across the country with moderate to high severity from Friday to Sunday.
They stated, “Strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage. Large waves may lower visibility and affect marine activities.”
The department further noted that “powerful southerly winds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 meters per second) will impact Coastal areas, South Eastern lowlands, and North Western regions.”
Mombasa County includes six major public beaches: Jomo Kenyatta (Pirates), Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Shelly, and Tiwi, along with additional beaches like Maasai, English Point, Kanamai, and Kikambala along the North Coast.
Governor Nassir stated that the county would “issue daily situation updates to keep the public and relevant stakeholders informed of any changes or further directives.”
Residents and visitors have been urged to “comply fully with the safety measures.” The county government confirmed it is “working closely with emergency and maritime agencies to manage the situation and safeguard lives and property.”
