Kilifi County steps up beach safety measures amid rising suicide cases
Recent reports by the county indicate that over 22 suicide-related deaths have been recorded at the Kilifi Bridge in Kilifi town.
The Kilifi County Government has initiated measures to strengthen beach safety in response to a rising number of suicides and drownings.
Recent reports by the county indicate that over 22 suicide-related deaths have been recorded at the Kilifi Bridge in Kilifi town, prompting the need for immediate action.
To tackle these issues, the county is implementing a series of enhancements to its safety protocols.
Key actions include the acquisition of advanced rescue boats, the construction of watchtowers along beaches and creeks, the recruitment and training of more than 100 new divers, and the decentralisation of the safety unit for better coverage and response.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Sports, Culture, and Disaster Management, Ruth Dama, highlighted the significance of these improvements.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Sports, Culture, and Disaster Management Ruth Dama. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
“The Kilifi Bridge has unfortunately become a site associated with a high number of suicides. With our newly equipped disaster management unit, we aim to provide enhanced surveillance and intervention capabilities to prevent such tragedies,” Dama said.
Historical data shows that many individuals who commit suicide at the Kilifi Bridge travel from various locations, drawn by its reputation as Kenya’s longest and deepest bridge.
Dama noted that incidents tend to peak during September and October.
Previous limitations
The Chief Officer for Disaster Management, Irene Opicho discussed the previous limitations faced by the department.
She stated in 2022, there were only 32 staff members tasked with covering the extensive coastline from Mtwapa to Marereni. This scarcity hindered their ability to effectively manage search and rescue operations.
“Previously, our 32-member team struggled to coordinate responses across our lengthy coastline. We have now recruited and trained 110 additional staff members, who will be stationed at strategic points along the coast. We anticipate expanding our team to 300 in the future, subject to increased budget allocation,” Opicho explained.
Some of the boats that will be used in carrying out patrols in Kilifi County. (Farhiya Hussein)
Governor Gideon Mung’aro announced that the county, in partnership with the national government, will construct two new state-of-the-art Beach Management Unit (BMU) centres in Kilifi and Malindi. These centres, costing a total of Sh600 million, will be equipped with advanced facilities to support beach safety operations.
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“We are also constructing four watch towers in Mtwapa, Kilifi, Malindi, and Ngomeni as part of the first phase. These towers will improve our monitoring capabilities and enable quicker responses to emergencies,” Mung’aro said.
The new BMU centres will feature live guards, first aid teams, a dedicated fishing department, and a search and rescue unit with modern tracking and communication equipment.
Additionally, the county has already employed and trained 110 lifeguards and divers, who will utilise five new boats to patrol the waters of Kilifi.
Shela ward MCA Twahir Abdulrahman emphasised the importance of dedication among the new recruits.
“I urge all new divers and rescue team members to approach their roles with commitment and passion. Many would have welcomed these job opportunities, so it is vital to take this responsibility seriously,” Abdulrahman advised.
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