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In virtually rhythmic intervals, a fleet of school buses arrive at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, quickly filling the parking lot before releasing a tide of students onto the sun-kissed waterfront.

They are on a mission to immerse themselves in the magnetic allure of the coast during the August holidays.

As the students stroll leisurely along the waterfront, sampling an array of snacks, drinks, and ice creams to refresh from the long journey, they find themselves at ease. The cool, revitalizing sea breeze, tinged with salt, instantly lifts the weariness from their shoulders, offering a welcome reprieve from the Port City’s relentless heat.

Gathered at the edge of the waterfront, the students are greeted by the serene Indian Ocean, its bubblegum-blue waters stretching endlessly to the horizon before them. The sound of waves kissing the sandy shore and the occasional splash against ancient coral walls spices up the moment.

The sound of crows screeching and flapping their wings above is a reminder of the untamed beauty of Mombasa.

This weekend, the waterfront will pulse with life as the Mombasa Fiesta takes center stage. Ali Noor, the coordinator of Mama Ngina Waterfront, promises a celebration of coastal culture, with everything from a vibrant food bazaar to displays of traditional attire, entertainment, and talent shows.

 “Mombasa is renowned for its delectable cuisine. We want people to come and savor our culture, especially during the school holidays. They’ll have a chance to experience the true essence of Mombasa,” Noor shared. Foods like samosas, bajias, and viazi vya ukwaju, all fried to a seductive golden brown and served with refreshing sharubati or juice, will be in abundance.

The initiative aims to elevate tourism standards in the region, with Noor revealing plans to make such events a bi-monthly attraction at the Waterfront, drawing both locals and visitors alike.

Mombasa International Festival Managing Director, Mzee Mwinyi Mzee, highlights the shift in contemporary tourism, where activities beyond hotel stays define the experience. “Activities bring value to tourism. After visiting hotels and beaches, what more can visitors enjoy? That’s where the Mombasa Fiesta comes in. We chose Mama Ngina because it’s a central hub,” Mzee explained. The fiesta will also feature exhibitions from state corporations, private entities, individual enterprises, as well as music and fun-filled events.

Fiesta Chairman Charles Kitula assured  the inclusion of the youth, particularly content creators in the creative economy. During the two-day event, high-speed free Wi-Fi will be available to all. “We want content creators to come, create, and share with the world what Mombasa has to offer. This will be a bi-monthly event, and its sustainability depends on active participation,” Kitula noted.

Mama Ngina Waterfront is not just a modern-day attraction but a site steeped in history. From its origins as the first human settlement, it transformed into a key route in the East African slave and ivory trade, a military base, and finally, a recreational sanctuary.