Kwale County Government, News, Tenders, Contacts, Website and Map

Kwale County News

Kwale County is situated in the south coast of Kenya. It borders Taita Taveta County to the West, Kilifi County to the North, Mombasa County to the North East, the Indian Ocean to the East and the Republic of Tanzania to the South West. The County covers a total surface area of 8,270.2 square km and accounts for 1.42 per cent of Kenya’s total surface area.

Geography, Climate and Weather of Kwale County

Kwale County has four main topographical features. They include the coastal plain, the foot plateau, the coastal uplands and the Nyika plateau. The County has a monsoon type of climate; it’s hot and dry from January to April while the coolest period of the year is between June and August. There are short rains and long rains. Short rains are experienced from October to December while the long rains run from March to June and at times to July. The average temperature of the county is 24.2°C and rainfall amounts range between 400 mm and 1,680 mm per year.

People of Kwale County

The county had a population of 649,931 according to the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census, which accounted for 1.7 per cent of the total Kenyan population. The dominant communities in the county are the Digo and Duruma. The Digo and Duruma people belong to the Mijikenda ethnic group of coastal Kenya. Other tribes found in the county include the Kambas, Arabs and Indians.

        Kwale county court of arm

Economy of Kwale

The county is  home to Shimba Hills National Reserve,  a small Park it but richly endowed in biodiversity. Hotels in the county  offer both local and international tourists local and international culinary delights.

The county has rich titanium deposits with extraction activities already ongoing. It also hosts  small scale farming especially in the inland areas. A mixture of fruits, vegetables and cereals are grown.

The Monsoon type of climate in the region, that is characterized by hot and dry weather between January and April and cool weather between June and August, is favorable for livestock rearing which is a main activity in certain parts of the county.

Being criss-crossed by rivers and streams some of which are seasonal,  the county has water resources giving the county huge agricultural potential.

Fisheries also play a major role in the economic arena of the county accounting for more than half of the income of households along the coastline of the county.

Tourism in Kwale County

Main Tourist Attractions in Kwale County

The main tourist attraction sites are Shimba Hills National Reserve, Mwaluganje Sanctuary, marine reserves and parks, historic sites (Shimoni Holes and Diani Mosques)
forest, coral and sandy beaches, bird habitat areas, hotels and turtle breeding grounds. There still exist potential in this sector such as untapped cultural resources, plenty of potential tourist sites that could offer accommodation facilities and sport tourism.

Main Wildlife

The dominant wildlife species include elephants, baboons, monkeys, buffaloes, giraffes and sable antelope (only found in Shimba Hills in Africa).

Top Best Accommodation and Hotels in Kwale County

Swahili Beach Resort

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

Swahili Beach is much more than meets the eye. Culture and history provides its very soul. From the architecture and the aromas to the music, it teases the senses.
Diani is where the sun comes to play. With all year tropical climate, you are in for a fantastic treat. So dust off your beachwear and get ready for the sun kissed white sands. The good weather never goes on holiday just so you can enjoy yours.

For more information visit: Swahili Beach Resort

Leopard Beach Resort and Spa

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

The 158 en—suite rooms are made up of 70 standard rooms, 20 superior garden view rooms, 48 superior sea facing rooms, 7 suites, 10 Chui class cottages with private gardens or patios and 3 luxury villas. All rooms are equipped with air-con, satellite TV, telephone, kettle, hairdryer and minibar. The suites also have DVD players, living areas and power—showers or Jacuzzi.

For more information visit: Leopard Beach Resort and Spa

Msambweni Beach House and Private Villa

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

Meaning land of the Sable antelope, Msambweni Beach House and Private Villas is as striking as this rare creature. The Arabic architecture of the house sets whitewashed walls, high arches and turreted roofs against the bright colors of the coast. A 25 m infinity pool and the winding jetty end in a lovely sun downer spot, raised on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For more information visit: Msambweni Beach House and Private Villa

Indian Ocean Beach Resort

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Maasai Mara – Located at the very center of the famous ‘Mara Triangle’ of the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill with long views over the Savannah and down to the winding coils of the hippo-filled Mara River, it stands center-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas, with a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on earth’, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.

For more information visit: Indian Ocean Beach Resort

Diani Sea Resort

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

Diani Sea Resort is set in 41/2 hectares of tropical gardens overlooking Diani Beach.

For more information visit:  Diani Sea Resort

Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel

Category: Hotels in Kwale County

Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel is an all inclusive resort on Diani Beach. The hotel has Swahili style architecture and is set in manicured gardens studded with ancient baobabs.

For more information visit:  Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel

Accommodation and Hotels in Diani- Kwale County

1. Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – Diani Kenya
2. Ocean Village Club – Diani Kenya
3. The Sands at Nomad – Diani Kenya
4. Diani Sea Lodge – Diani Kenya
5. Flamboyant Boutique Hotel – Diani Kenya
6. Diani Forest Lodge – Diani Kenya
7. LTl Kaskazi Beach Hotel – Diani Kenya
8. Swahili Beach – Diani Kenya
9. Coral Beach Cottages and Apartments – Diani Kenya
10. Alfajiri Villas – Diani Kenya
11. Diani Campsite and Cottages – Diani Kenya
12. Kijiji Cottages – Diani Kenya
13. Leopard Beach Resort and Spa – Diani Kenya
14. Diani Reef Resort and Spa – Diani Kenya
15. Warandale Cottages – Diani Kenya
16. Bahari Dhow
17. Afrochic Hotel – Diani Kenya
18. Jambolulu Cottages – Diani Kenya
19. Hotel Diani Palm Resort – Diani Kenya
20. Southern Palms Beach Resort – Diani Kenya
21. Papatuo Villas – Diani Kenya
22. Stilts Camp – Diani Kenya
23. Asha Cottage – Diani Kenya
24. Diani Marine Divers Village – Diani Kenya
25. Baobab Beach Cottage & Desert Rose Beach Cottage – Diani Kenya
26. WaterLovers Hotel – Diani Kenya
27. Diani Sea Resort – Diani Kenya
28. Watano House – Diani Kenya

    Hotels in Diani

29. Maisha Marefu House – Diani Kenya
30. Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort
31. Maimuna Cottages – Diani Kenya
32. Tausi Villas – Diani Kenya
33. Crossline Villas – Diani Kenya
34. Shambani Cottages – Diani Kenya
35. Ocean Bay Hotel – Diani Kenya

National Parks/Reserves in Kwale County

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Category: Tourist Attracions in Kwale County

The national reserve lies approximately 33km south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district of coast province. The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrublands and grasslands. The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest. The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.

From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from KwaleACCESS

Reserve Gates

• Main gate
• Kivumoni Gate
• Kidongo Gate
• Shimba Gate

Size / Location

• 300 km2
• The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province

Climate

Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855 mm-1682 mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

Safari Card Required?

At present the reserve does not operate the Safari Card system. Entry is by cash only.

What To Take With You

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

Major Attractions

• Sable Antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Falls
• Various view points
• Mwaluganje Forest

For more information visit: Shimba Hills National Reserve

Kisite – Mpunguti Marine National Park

Category: Tourist Attracions in Kwale County

The marine park is located on the south coast, 40 km from Ukunda town in Msambeni District of coast province. The ecosystem covers a marine area with four small islands surrounded by coral-reef. Kisite island is covered in low grass and herbs while Mpunguti Islands have dense coastal equatorial forest. Sea grasses Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium cover a large area of the sub-littoral zone of the reef. Marine algae include Padina commersonii, Dictyota bartayresiana, Bostrychia bindery, Ulva lactuca, Dictyosphaora sp., Udotea indica, and Halimeda opuntia. Major attractions include the Dolphins, coral gardens and it is an important site for snorkeling, diving and bird watching. The beautiful sandy beach is good for environmental friendly recreational activities

Activity Options

• Sunbathing
• Recreational activities that are environmentally friendly
• Licenced filming
• Bird watching
• Dolphin Watch
• Diving

Where To Stay

• In – Park Accommodation
• There is Currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Diani town which offers various accommodation options. There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from.
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:

1. The Shimoni Bandas.
2. Camping site
3. Chlobus Campsite
4. Mpunguti Special Campsite honeymooners

• Community accomodation:

1. The Shimoni gardens
2. Shimoni Reef Hotel

For more information visit: Kisite – Mpunguti Marine National Park

Hospitals in Kwale County

The County has a total of three (3) government hospitals, eight health centres and sixty- four (64) dispensaries located in Msambweni, Kwale and Kinango constituencies. The doctor and nurse population ratio stands at 1: 76,741 and 1: 3,133 respectively. In addition, the county has two (2) private hospitals both located in Diani town. The average distance to the nearest health facility within the County is seven (7) kilometers as compared to the required maximum of three (3) kilometers.

The five most common diseases as recorded in the health facilities within the county are Malaria, Diarrhea, Flu, Respiratory diseases and Stomach- ache with a prevalence rate of 37.7, 4.6, 16.4, 5, and 3.1 per cent respectively. These diseases highly contribute to the morbidity in the county which stands at 22.5 per cent.

Kwale County Governor and Deputy Governor

Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala is the Governor and the his Deputy is Hon. Fatuma Mohamed Achani.

Major Towns in Kwale County

The County’s capital is Kwale Town. The town is located 30 km southwest of Mombasa and 15km inland and borders the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Other major towns in the county include Ukunda, Msambweni, Kinango, and Lunga Lunga.

Kwale County Jobs

Kwale County Jobs opportunities for all qualified personnel and those who would wish to work with Kwale County government. Jobs in Kwale County are posted on the county website.

Jobs in Kwale are awarded in a free, fair and transparency manner in the need to fight corruption in the country.

To access these Kwale county jobs advertisement click the link: Kwale County Jobs for the latest job opportunities in the county.

Kwale County Tenders

Kwale tenders are awarded in a free, fair and transparency manner in the need to fight corruption in the country.

To access tenders in Kwale county click the link: http://kwale.go.ke/  for the latest job opportunities in the county.

Kwale County Governor and Deputy Governor

The current governor of Kwale County is Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala and the deputy governor is Hon. Fatuma Achani.

Constituencies in Kwale County

1. Msambweni Constituency
2. Lunga Lunga Constituency
3. Matuga Constituency
4. Kinango Constituency

Kwale County Sub-Counties

• Matuga Sub-County
• Kinango Sub-County
• Msambweni Sub-County
• Lunga Lunga Sub-County

Kwale County Wards

Kwale county comprises a number of wards which include Port Reitz, Kipevu, Airport, Changamwe, Chaani, Jomvu Kuu, Miritini, Mikindani, Mjambere, Junda, Bamburi, Mwakirunge, Mtopanga, Magogoni, Shanzu, Frere Town, Ziwa la Ngombe, Mkomani, Kongowea, Kadzandani, Mtongwe, Shika Adabu, Bofu, Likoni, Timbwani, Mji wa Kale/Makadara, Tudor, Tononoka, Majengo and Ganjoni/Shimanzi.

Kwale County Contacts

Kwale County Headquarters is located along Ukunda- Likoni Road,through the Kombani Junction to Kwale Town.

Postal Address: P.O Box 4 – 80403
Town: Kwale, Kenya
Email: info@kwale.go.ke
Website: www.kwalecountygov.com

Kwale County Website

www.kwalecountygov.com

Kwale County Map

Kwale County Video