Festivals set to breathe new life into Mama Ngina Waterfront

Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa is slated to be revitalised with a series of activities aimed at increasing its economic value and attracting more visitors.

The historic public park, which had a Sh 460 million revamp in 2019, has hosted several national and county events but has yet to realise its full potential as a top tourism destination.

The park's manager, Ali Nur, expressed confidence that a fresh focus on cultural and social events will revitalise the waterfront.

He noted that the park's management, in collaboration with tourist and business stakeholders, is preparing a number of events to transform the area into a bustling hub for both locals and visitors.

“We are working closely with partners like the Mombasa International Festival to roll out a series of events, starting with the Mombasa Fiesta, which will be held twice a month. This initiative is expected to draw more visitors and provide business opportunities for traders operating within the park,” Ali said.

Ali also emphasised the necessity of security for the park's success.

With a dedicated police station and regular patrols, he assured guests that their safety was his main priority. "Insecurity has always been a challenge in the tourism sector, but we have taken stringent measures to ensure the safety of everyone who comes to enjoy the park,"  he added.

Major event organisers have also shown support for the revitalisation of Mama Ngina Waterfront.

Mzee Mwinyi, Director of the Mombasa International Festival, stated that the trend in tourism is altering, with more visitors interested in festival and cultural tourism rather than typical beach and wildlife experiences.

Mwinyi emphasised that this transition creates a chance to effectively utilise public areas such as Mama Ngina Waterfront. "By staging events like the Mombasa Fiesta at this facility, we not only increase the value of the park but also improve the local community's economic prospects. Festivals provide an opportunity to promote our rich coastal heritage and culture to the rest of the globe," said Mwinyi.

The increasing emphasis on festivals and events at Mama Ngina Waterfront is projected to have a positive impact on Mombasa's economy, aiding local businesses, artisans, and service providers while also preserving the coastal region's cultural character.