Public beaches in Mombasa are now open for public access and recreational use.
This is after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir on Tuesday, May 27, lifted the suspension on public beaches in the coastal city, albeit under strict conditions.
In a press release, the Governor disclosed that the new development came after consultations with the Kenya Meteorological Department, which gave the go-ahead after a significant improvement in weather conditions.
However, Nassir cautioned deep-sea marine operators, noting moderate swells may still be experienced offshore.
"We are now in receipt of an updated review from the County Director of Meteorological Services indicating a significant reduction in wind speeds to a maximum of 16 knots and a gradual decline in wave heights, based on revised models and direct observation," he noted.
"In view of the improved weather conditions, I hereby lift the earlier restrictions; public beaches are now open for public access and recreational use," Nassir said.
Aside from the opening of the beaches, Nassir also gave the green light for the resumption of construction activities effective immediately.
On Friday, May 23, Nassir had ordered the closure of the beaches for two days, effective immediately.
The orders were based on an advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department released on Thursday, which warned of strong southerly winds and large waves along the Kenyan coast.
According to Kenya Met, strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s) were expected over the Coast.
Wind speeds were 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.
In the advisory, Kenya Met noted that 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.
Even so, Nassir maintained that the county would continue to monitor the weather conditions in conjunction with the Meteorological Department and the county's disaster preparedness team.
Mombasa currently has six major public beaches: Jomo Kenyatta (Pirates), Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Shelly, and Tiwi.
Additional beaches include Maasai, English Point, Kanamai, and Kikambala, which are located along the North Coast.
