Kilifi locals push back against affordable housing project in Watamu park
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 20, 2025Residents of Kilifi County have raised strong objections to a proposed affordable housing project planned for Watamu Public Park, arguing that the development threatens one of the area’s last remaining green spaces and could harm tourism.
The concerns were voiced on Saturday, December 20, 2025, during a public discussion on the project, which is part of the government’s wider Affordable Housing Programme.
Halima Lali, a Watamu resident, said she initially welcomed the idea of affordable housing but changed her mind after learning where the houses would be built.
“Nikakuwa very concerned nikauliza, nikaambiwa kuwa tunajengewa affordable houses in Watamu,” she said.
“Kwa kweli nimefurahi sana kwa serikali kutaka kutujengea sisi watu wa Watamu affordable houses. Lakini hili eneo limejaa miti. Hapa ndio pahali pekee pamebakia Watamu ambako pana miti.”
Lali said the park serves both residents and visitors, providing shade, parking space and a place to relax. She added that Watamu still has large tracts of land where housing could be developed without destroying the park.
“Hapa ndio pahali wendawazimu wanakuja kupumzika, watu wa taxi wanapark magari zao hapo. So mimi ningeomba serikali, kama mzaliwa Watamu, watuachie hili eneo, na bado Watamu tuko na ardhi nyingi. Kama serikali, najua hamuwezi shindwa kununua ardhi.”
Long-term investors have also expressed alarm. Steve Curtis, who has operated businesses in Watamu for more than three decades, warned that the project could damage the town’s image as a tourist destination.
“I am an investor in Watamu and I have been operating my businesses here for the last 35 years. It brings me great sorrow to see what is being planned right in front of the focal point where tourists first arrive in Watamu,” he said.
“They are expecting a lovely beach holiday, with lovely people, and all they are going to see is a block of ugly-looking flats. What a shame. What an absolute shame. Those trees are a point of natural beauty.”
Curtis said the location of the project, near the main entry point into Watamu, would give visitors a poor first impression and undermine efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
National pushback intensifies
The Watamu dispute comes amid growing national resistance to some affordable housing projects. Earlier the previous day, the Environment and Land Court halted construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang’ata, Nairobi, following protests led by Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o.
In that case, the court issued conservatory orders after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenged the project, citing constitutional violations, lack of public participation and environmental concerns. The petition also raised alarms about strained water and sewer systems, loss of privacy due to high-rise buildings and possible devaluation of nearby properties.