The Economy of Mombasa: As a trade centre, tourist destination and industrial point
Mombasa is Kenya’s leading coastal city well known for its historical features, tourist destinations such as the beach plus it is an important producer in the country’s economy. Mombasa being among the leading seaports in the East African region, acts as a very vital hub in the trade, touristic and industrial sectors it serves. The presence of the city along the Indian Ocean perceived the economic activities determining the city as one of the commercial centers. It is now time to introduce the variety of factors that control the economic characteristics of Mombasa.
- Port of Mombasa: Economic Recovery: The Pulse of Retarded Commerce
Located on the Kenya’s Indian Ocean which is among Africa’s largest economy, it is among the largest and most active harbour. It is a transit center for products importation and exportation in Eaast and Central Africa, and for Kenya as well as for the landlocked countries; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, as well as some portions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This aspect shows that the port transports a number of types of products such as containerized, bulk liquids and dry bulk cargo making it very important to regional commerce. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) manages the port; the ongoing development projects including the building of new berths & redesigning of the facilities used in handling of cargoes are work in progress with the aim towards increasing the port’s capacity.
The port plays an important role in the export and import business besides serving as source of employment for the people hence enhancing revenue stability within the city.
- Tourism: The Jewel of the Coast the phrase is very popular and was used to refer to a romantic tale of the Jewel of the Niger region.
The subsequent focus on tourism as a key sector for Mombasa development is explicable owing to natural factors such as the nice sandy beaches, cultural endowment, and prolific marine life in this region. The city also boasts of famous tourist destinations, these includes Fort Jesus, the Old Town, the Gedi Ruins and beautiful beaches that include Nyali, Bamburi and the famous Diani beach.
Besides, natural and cultural sites, Mombasa has a tropical climate that attracts tourists all year round with wildlife sanctuaries, coral reefs and water sports among other activities. All types of enterprises, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, gift shops, craft markets and tourist information centres directly rely on the tourism sector and are a source of income for thousands of Abakalians.
However, the sector has some challenges that include competitions from other regions’ destinations, seasonal demand and impact of the world events on travel. Measures to diversify and market the oppurtunities in ecological tourism, cultural tourism, andAdventure tourism continues so as to sustainable development in this important sector.
- Manufacturing and Industry
Mombasa host a variety of manufacturers; these are the food processing industries, cement industry, the oil refineries, and consumer industries. Some parts of the city with industrial centres; include the Changamwe and Mikindani industrial centers, which are home to factories and processing plants.
Some of the identified industries that have made significant impact in the region include cement industries which has been producing cements like Bamburi Cement Company. There is also oil storage and refining industries in the city, which has established the city as one of the major players in the supply of petroleum products in the Kenyan market and other neighbouring countries.
The promotion of SEZ in Mombasa to enhance foreign investment and industrialization for employment creation is achieved through incentives that result to tax incentives, infrastructure for manufacturing firms.
- Trade and Commerce
Mombasa like most coast city economies are more inclined to the commercial-economic activities than others. A large number of markets, shopping centres and other businesses that operate as retail and wholesale are present in the city to cater the local population as well as the tourists. As the main commercial area, Mombasa CBD is heavily endowed with a number of shops, offices and banks that facilitate Mombasa financial sector.
This is because the operations of the city are not limited to the regional market as many importers and exporters own businesses that link Mombasa to the rest of the world. Other factors which help Mombasa to be a trade hub are facilities such as free trade zones and logistical services.
- Fishing and Marine Resources
Fishing is one of the main sources of income in Mombasa because the area is endowed with a large stretch of the coastline and favorable conditions of aquatic life. The fishing industry consists of both artisanal and commercial fishing and is one of the ways through which Fishermen within the city can make a living, Apart from this the sector plays a role in the supply of food as the city’s population consume fish and the country exports fish as well.
Seas other products such as prawns, lobsters and different fish species are not only for sale in the market but also the main products that help in the tourist attraction in the city.
- Challenges and Opportunities
However, there are some hurdles which affect Mombasa in terms of development such as inadequate infrastructures, challenges of employment, and even environmental challenges like pollution and coastal erosion. One of the key points that I found while studying this problem is that the economic life of the city is very sensitive to fluctuations in the global economy and instabilities in the region due to the efficient role of the port and tourism for the city’s economy.
Yet, some issues that can be viewed as threats in other regions, are actually the biggest opportunities here, for example, Mombasa’s location, infrastructural developments, and efforts to develop non-oil sectors. In transport there has been many projects like the SGR and roads expansion which have improved on the connectivity and the cost of doing business. Like in the case of other developed nations, future economic growth is expected to be propelled mainly by the expansion of the special economic zones as well as investment on technology as well as innovation sectors.