Changing face of Nyali coastline

A few years ago, Mombasa’s north coast offered a taste of serenity. A quiet neighbourhood, nice bungalows and every morning people woke up to sit on their small porches or hammocks watching the sun rise.

Life was simple, cozy and peaceful. The neighbourhood was sparsely populated, safe and quiet. But the bliss has now ended. Residents are now waking up to watch the sun rise, only to be confronted with cranes and earthmovers massing towards neighbouring undeveloped land.

They are not tarmacking the dusty roads; they are planting four-storey buildings to house 40 one-and two-bedroom units. In a few months, 40 new families move near the bungalow to share the dusty little road, the drainage system, the kiosk and the early morning sun. For many, they now get to enjoy the sun at midday as its peeps through the apartment blocks which tower over the tiny bungalow.

This is the new reality for homeowners in the north coast as developers move fast towards Nyali. Said Swaleh, a business man says change started with the construction of the first mall in Mombasa —the City Mall along Malindi Highway.

“Building of the malls opened up this area especially Nyali, it brought in banks, offices and other amenities that were rather available only in the CBD that is in the island,” he said.

The expansion of the town has also attracted many people from different cultures who want modern homes to rent.

Swahili houses

“Mombasa has always been associated with the Swahili houses, but this is changing as more people come here,” said real estate consultant Paul Kinoti.

In the 70s, the north coast was considered unworthy because it sits on coral reef stone and the water is salty; it was not conducive for farming. But now the area is becoming a hotspot for investors. Land prices have shot high and houses even higher. In 2007, a mansion was going for Sh7 million, but now it can go for Sh30 million or more.

Wondwossen Kassie, a businessman and the owner of the Sheba Lounge located at the mall says the area has become very appealing for investors because there is an influx of people coming to either live or work in Mombasa and land is becoming scarce.

Developers are investing more in high-rising luxurious apartments, earning Sh500,000 per month compared to a mansion which gives Sh30,000 to Sh40,000.

Mr Kinoti says in the next few years, it’s not only Nyali coastline that will change, but also the full stretch of the Malindi highway— reaching to the Kilifi boundary.