Two proprietors of hotels in Casuarina area in Malindi town are counting losses after a huge fire destroyed their resorts.
Kenga Giama and Darado Cottages resort were completely burnt down by a fire that was caused by an electric fault.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Nicola Mosca, the owner of Giama resort stated that strong winds in the area caused two power lines to come into contact and the sparks landed on the makuti-thatched roof (sun-dried leaves of the coconut palm).
"We experienced strong winds on Monday and this made power lines came into contact causing the fire.
[caption caption="Kenga Giama"]
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"At the time, guests were enjoying themselves in the pool while others were resting in their rooms.
"We acted quickly to ensure their safety and no one was injured. This is an incredible loss and everything has been destroyed completely," he stated.
A reservationist at the resort confirmed that the fire then spread to Darado resort and also destroyed two cars and a motorcycle.
During the incident, looters took advantage of the situation to steal from the premise.
Police, however, arrived moments later although the damage had already been done.
In 2017, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers’ (KAHC) Coast branch executive officer, Sam Ikwaye urged hotels to adopt modern makuti-thatching technology that ensures the thatches are fire resistant.
He was speaking following another fire incident that razed down properties worth Ksh60 million at Indiana and Ziwani beach hotels located in Bamburi, Mombasa.
The fire destroyed the beach restaurants of the two hotels and cottages, spreading quickly on makuti roofs and forcing hundreds of international tourists to be relocated.
[caption caption="File Photo of the Resort"]
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