Shortage of lodgings hits Lamu

Accommodation in the Kenyan coastal town of Lamu has become scarce as visitors arrive on the island for the Maulid festival.

Mosques and private homes are taking in visitors and owners of apartments, hotels, and guest houses have increased rates by 50 per cent.

The county council is also raking in money, charging hotels a bed levy. Trader Ghalib Ahmed Alwy said business was booming but complained that poor infrastructure was hindering the development of Lamu.

“The government should invest in roads to attract more domestic tourists,” he said. The businessman also said Manda airstrip should be expanded to accommodate larger aircraft.

The Maulid festival, an annual event celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammed, kicked off on Wednesday and has attracted thousands of visitors, some from as far as the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Europe, and some African countries.

The festival has coincided with the tourist high season and business people expect the boom to last until Easter. This year, Gulf Bank chairman Suleiman Shahban is the guest of honour and is expected to address the faithful on Friday.

Hard times

Separately, more than 4,000 hotel workers at the North Coast are bracing themselves for hard times as the traditional tourism low season approaches. 

Workers are usually laid off during the season as most hotels close. The annual shut down brings the North Coast’s economy to a halt between February and June and September and November. 

Additional reporting by Daniel Nyassy