Mombasa County Government has closed all public beaches and issued a high-alert warning to developers of tall buildings in anticipation of severe winds and high ocean waves forecasted for the weekend.
Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir made the announcement on Friday after receiving an alert from the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of wind speeds reaching up to 25 knots and waves as high as 2.5 meters, well above normal levels.
“We sat down as a disaster team, together with the county security team, and resolved that all fisher folk will be informed not to access the seas. Public beaches remain closed for tomorrow, and with a precaution for the day after,” said Governor Nassir.
In addition to the beach closure, the county has cautioned developers, particularly those working on high-rise buildings, to take extra safety measures as the powerful winds could pose hazards at construction sites.
The governor also announced the activation of disaster response teams across the county, including village disaster units, ward administrators, and the Kenya Red Cross, all of whom will remain on standby. Security agencies, including the police, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Coast Guards, have been deployed to enforce the beach closures and prevent access by land or sea.
Nassir urged the public to comply with the directives and avoid the oceanfront for their own safety.
Meteorological experts say the extreme conditions are due to the onset of the monsoon winds, which bring strong, moisture-laden gusts from the south and southwest.
“These winds are much stronger and more impactful than the usual northeast monsoon. They carry the potential to disrupt marine transport and threaten coastal infrastructure,” explained Joseph Amolo, Mombasa County Director Kenya Meteorological Department.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel near the ocean, and report any emergencies to the nearest authorities.