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MALINDI URBAN ECONOMIC PLAN
3.2. Development Framework Plan Based on the diagnostics of Malindi’s socio economic conditions, the urban morphology, character and infrastructure provision, as well as the economic sector priorities that have been set out, this section brings together proposals that will support economic growth, optimise the impact infrastructure development and tackle the most pressing needs of the Municipality in order to respond to the pressures of urban growth whilst building climate resilience and sustainability. Malindi’s coast line can broadly be subdivided in three distinct character areas marked by natural and manmade landmarks namely, the Galana River to the north, the Vasco Da Gama pillar and the fishing pier in the central zone, the Marine National Park and Mayungu beach to the south. The northern stretch of the coastline is both populated by resorts and leisure activities and visitors typically stop at bird and animal sighting spots, particularly around the
mouth of the Galana River. The southern stretch of the coast, between the Vasco Da Gama pillar and the Mayungu beach, hosts typically high-end resort destinations with properties running along the coastal zone. To the centre, is the more urbanised waterfront section, where locals come together for leisure and informal sport activities making the most of improvised and informal play spaces between the sand dune and Silversands road. Some museums and markets are also located in proximity of the fishing pier and the Vasco Da Gama pillar effectively marks the southern end of the central zone. However, whilst the monumental Vasco Da Gama pillar is currently managed as a tourist destination, the fishing pier is left mainly unmanaged and is fast deteriorating. Nevertheless, the pier is still used as the key ‘hang-out’ and visitation spot on the waterfront by people of all ages and is also the backdrop for small businesses (i.e.: photographers, informal street vendors, makeshift touristguide pick-up point, and so on) that benefit from its visitor attraction. A small
fish market and cold store facilities are also located at the land side of the structure. The pier’s location is strategic, directly opposite Shella old town, it’s a nodal space for the whole waterfront being barycentric and in proximity to other local attractions such as the Curio market, Malindi Museum and the Mskiti Jumaa Mosque. This area is also being upgraded through a World Bank funded waterfront transformation project which includes some sport pitches and much needed food and beverage and leisure spaces. Set back away from the coastline is Malindi’s Central Business District (CBD) which has a diverse trade and commerce activity of both the formal and informal sectors. This area offers the full range of commercial, civic and public amenity opportunities. Beyond the CBD to the north, south and west adjacent to the main road corridors that feed into the centre are residential areas which also accommodate various business activities not always conducive to maintaining
residential amenity. To the west of the central area is the Malindi International Airport which provides access to the wider national, regional and international tourism markets and has significant potential for upgrading and the development of an air cargo logistics centre to enable export activities to wider markets as part of the Municipality’s drive for diversification. Malindi still very much considers itself a holiday destination for both local and international markets despite having suffered consistent and significant decline over the past 15 years or so. As a result, the development strategy plan has considered two Action Plan approaches premised on revitalising Tourism and Diversification of the local economic base.
