Gov't Bans Alcohol In All Public Beaches During Christmas

• The multi-agency team announced that there will be no alcohol allowed at the beach to ensure safety during the festive period
• Nighttime events have also been banned, and those seeking to organise such events are required to get authorisation from the beach management unit
• The unit will establish an information desk where all incidences can be reported, and security efforts will be coordinated

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A prohibition on alcohol has been imposed on all public beaches, accompanied by additional restrictions aimed at curbing night activities along the Indian Ocean.

The Kenya Maritime Authority, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, has identified hotspot areas prone to security risks and drowning incidents.

Anyone seeking to organise nighttime events must obtain authorisation from the Beach Management Unit due to the new regulations restricting night activities along the Indian Ocean shores.

Identified hotspots

Notable locations include Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, popularly known as Pirates, Shell Beach in Likoni, and the Ferry crossing channel.

The authorities have also identified spots like Diani and Shimoni beaches in Kwale county, Malindi Marine Park in Kilifi county, and Shella beach in Lamu county.

Enhancing security

Enhanced security surveillance and the presence of emergency response teams, including ambulances on standby, are part of the measures to handle any eventuality and security personnel have been deployed to secure all recreational facilities along the coast.

"We have a tourist police unit within the premises of the beach which is accessible and which will be open 24 hours so members of the public, in case somebody has an issue, let it be reported there, and we intend to have an to have an information desk that will be operated by the multi-agency," said the spokesperson as reported by NTV.

An information desk manned by officers from the police and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) was established, and the Kenya Red Cross was also mentioned as part of the multi-agency security team.

As tourists prepare to enjoy the coastal region during the holiday season, these new regulations signify a commitment to safeguarding public well-being and maintaining a secure environment for all beachgoers.

Road accident in Kwale county

In other news related to safety during the Christmas period, several people are feared dead, with others having sustained severe injuries after being involved in a road crash.

The victims were on board a Mash Cool bus en route to Malindi from Nairobi, with sources indicating that the bus collided with a trailer at a spot in Taru, Kwale county.

The Red Cross confirmed in an update that 19 people were badly injured and were rushed to hospital for treatment.