On the Kenyan coast, it is boom time for Kilifi. Everyone wants to buy houses or land, but also to start businesses in the capital of the county of the same name, a town that for a long time was considered much less attractive than the better known Malindi and the emerging Watamu.
Now, however, with a slow and even intelligent growth, favoured by the devolution that for more than ten years has made it the fulcrum of local government institutions and projects, it is imposing itself on the attention of investors, tourism and those who are looking at new destinations because of the 'congestion' of other destinations that are now unapproachable both in terms of prices and competition.
The latest confirmation comes from the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), which in its report for the end of 2023, listed Kilifi and its southern extensions (Vipingo and Mwtapa) among the areas with the most buying and investment activity in the entire country, i.e. the preferred locations of Kenyans looking for homes, but also those of those looking for the ratio of affordability to the future.
Apart from the fact that Nairobi remains the stronghold of the country's development, with popular up-and-coming neighbourhoods such as Kasarani, Roysambu and Ruaraka in the top ranks and the hinterland (Mlolongo, Ngong, Syokimau, Ruiru and Kitengela) following, the other destinations Kenyans believe in are in the north, from Thika to Nyeri and Meru.

After the great recessionary scare, overall property market activity recovered in Q3 2023, rising to about 62 per cent from 47 per cent in Q3.
For Kilifi, this is a confirmation, given the consideration it has received from the foreign market as well, with the post-pandemic opening of new hotels and activities related to tourism, especially alternative and eco-friendly tourism, but also the 'luxury' segment.
Investments also concern small flats and 'maisonnettes' that can be rented for solutions from platforms such as AirBnb.
Not to be underestimated is the attractiveness of Vipingo, with its parkland, coastal extension and international golf course, the only one with savannah herbivores within it, as well as its proximity to top schools for family transfer solutions, and the convenience of connection to Mombasa airport and the highway to Nairobi, via Mariakani. Will Kilifi be the coastal destination of the future? Perhaps, especially considering that in Kenya, the future is practically already present.