The coastal town of Malindi, located in Kilifi County, Kenya, has long been a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich Swahili culture.
Recently, plans for a luxury hotel development have emerged, spearheaded by Kango Enterprises Limited, where Kenya’s prominent politician Raila Odinga is listed as one of the directors.
While the proposed hotel promises to be an exotic tourism haven, the project has not been without its fair share of controversy surrounding land ownership disputes.
Here is its story as told by WoK.
The Vision for a Luxury Hotel
The proposed luxury hotel project envisions a stunning establishment sprawling over approximately 4.3 acres of land, a mere 100 meters from the shoreline.
According to an environmental impact assessment report submitted to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in June, the hotel is estimated to cost a staggering Ksh515,760,000.
The hotel’s architectural designs depict a two-story block housing 33 opulent rooms, a spa, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam rooms on the first floor.
The second floor will boast a presidential suite and 19 additional rooms, while the ground floor will accommodate a conference hall, service rooms, and offices.
The plan also includes six blocks of luxurious two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas, along with a standalone presidential villa complete with three bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, and gazebo, among other amenities.
Positive Impacts and Economic Prospects
The proposed luxury hotel project has drawn considerable attention due to its potential to transform Malindi’s tourism landscape.
If realized, the hotel would significantly improve the area’s hotel infrastructure, making it more attractive to high-end tourists seeking an exclusive and unparalleled experience.
This enhancement is expected to drive an increase in tourist arrivals, creating an upswing in demand for local goods and services and leading to new employment opportunities for the community.
Additionally, the hotel’s operations would generate substantial revenue for both the proponent and the government, contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.
Addressing Environmental and Social Concerns
Despite the economic potential, the proposed hotel development has not been without environmental and social concerns.
The environmental impact assessment report highlights potential negative impacts, including the loss of vegetation cover, increased water and energy demand, and solid waste generation and management.
The proximity of the hotel to the shoreline also raises concerns about its potential impact on the delicate coastal ecosystem and marine life.
Land Ownership Controversy
The luxury hotel’s journey to realization has been marred by contentious land ownership disputes.
British citizen John Presser Unsworth previously contested the land’s ownership, leading to legal battles with Kango Enterprises Limited.
Raila Odinga, one of the directors of the company, testified in Malindi High Court in 2011 that he had acquired the land from former Malindi mayor Frederic Kazungu Diwani.
It was revealed that Mr. Diwani had fraudulently sold the same land to Mr. Unsworth. Mr. Diwani admitted to the offense and was fined in 2009.
Ultimately, on August 5, 2022, the judgment favored Kango Enterprises Limited, requiring Unsworth’s kin to vacate the land.
Subsequently, on June 9, a Gazette notice was published, indicating that a new title deed would be issued to Kango Enterprises.
