Mtwapa

Mtwapa
Mtwapa Location of Mtwapa
Coordinates: 3°57′00″S 39°44′40″E / 3.95°S 39.74444°E / -3.95; 39.74444Coordinates: 3°57′00″S 39°44′40″E / 3.95°S 39.74444°E / -3.95; 39.74444
Country	Kenya
Province	Coast Province
District	Kilifi District
Division	Kikambala Division
Time zone	EAT (UTC+3)

Mtwapa is a beautiful town located in Kenya's Coast Province. The town is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) north-east of Mombasa and is served by Mombasa-Malindi road. The settlement is also the location of the Mombasa-Mtwapa matatu terminus. The Mtwapa Creek is an Indian Ocean inlet at Mtwapa, which is the border between Mombasa and Mtwapa (connected through a bridge). Mtwapa Creek is a starting point for deep sea fishing tours. Also lurking in the town is a 19th-century prison more commonly known as Simo la tewa.

Origins of the town's name

There are unconfirmed myths about how the town gained its name. One such myth is that the community that originally sprung in the area would often seek acknowledgment if the person living in the area was "mtu wa hapa" - Swahili, that loosely translates to 'he who lives among us'. The phrase was especially used to prevent a person otherwise unknown to the rest of the community from being ostracized from the area as an outsider.

Infrastructural developments

Mtwapa is one of the coastal regions fastest growing property markets. There have been recent developments of recreational centers, religious buildings, residential homes and low cost rental villas. Second only to the southern coast (Diani area) Mtwapa is home to a large number of European retirees and holiday makers from countries such as Germany, Netherlands, England who have built homes in the vicinity.

External links

• Information Guide Mtwapa City Mombasa Coast
• Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Kenya AdminLevels 1-4