A 62-meter luxurious yacht, MY SALT, valued at over 60 million US dollars, docked at Kilifi Creek — the first of its kind to grace the tranquil town. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
Tourism fortunes along Kenya’s Coast are on the rise after a 62-meter luxurious yacht, MY SALT, valued at over 60 million US dollars, docked at Kilifi Creek — the first of its kind to grace the tranquil town.
Flying a British flag, the sleek white vessel — reportedly from Dubai — arrived on Thursday, instantly setting social media abuzz with curiosity and excitement among residents and Kenyans across the country.
Built by the renowned Italian shipyard CRN and delivered in 2020, MY SALT is a floating palace boasting six opulent suites, a beach club, a pool, and other lavish amenities befitting billionaires.
Though the identities of the owner and guests remain undisclosed, reports indicate that the high-end tourists on board have not yet disembarked, but are expected to begin touring Kilifi town from Sunday.
The yacht, anchored on the eastern side of the creek toward the open sea, has drawn hundreds of onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the magnificent vessel — a rare spectacle in the area.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro hailed the superyacht’s arrival as a milestone for the county’s tourism and investment landscape.
“The arrival of this yacht is clear proof that Kilifi is attracting high-end tourists with significant spending power, which will boost our economy,” said Mung’aro. “We welcome all tourists and investors to Kilifi. As a county, we are ready to support them so that we can continue to grow economically.”
The Governor also noted that Kilifi Creek and Takaungu are naturally deep enough to accommodate yachts and cruise ships, despite lacking modern docking infrastructure.
“My hope is that the government will consider developing a dedicated tourist berth in Kilifi — one that specializes in cruise ships so visitors can dock, explore, and enjoy our beautiful sceneries,” he added.
Patricia Buri, the Tourism Police Unit Sector Commander for the Coast Region, described the docking of MY SALT as a positive development for the region’s economy and reputation.
“This yacht’s presence is a good sign — it shows Kilifi is now attracting diverse nationalities and investors. It also gives local businesses a chance to benefit from the influx of visitors,” she said.
Buri confirmed that the vessel would remain in Kilifi until November 14 before departing for Madagascar. She assured that security measures for both local and international tourists have been strengthened ahead of the festive season, which traditionally sees a surge in visitors to the Coast.
Paul Kurgat, General Manager of Silver Palm Resort in Kilifi, said the yacht’s arrival has given the region a global spotlight.
“MY SALT has a huge international following. Its presence here promotes Kilifi as a world-class destination for yachts and cruise ships,” said Kurgat. “We’re already seeing a rise in bookings — our bed occupancy is at 50 percent and climbing fast as we approach the festive season.”
With the shimmering waters of Kilifi Creek now hosting one of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, optimism is high that the region’s tourism industry is sailing into a new era of prosperity.
