Preparations of the Summertides Festival happening at the Lost Beach in Kilifi County. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
Malindi is set for one of the busiest weekends in its history as the Summertides Festival, billed as Africa's premier beach music festival, transforms the coastal resort town into a vibrant hub of music, tourism and entertainment.
The three-day festival, which kicks off on Thursday at Lost Beach in Kilifi County, is expected to attract at least 15,000 revelers from Kenya and abroad, injecting millions of shillings into the local economy while providing a major boost to the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Hotels, holiday homes and Airbnb accommodations in Malindi and its surrounding areas have already reached 100 percent occupancy, with visitors arriving days ahead of the highly anticipated event.
A visit to the festival grounds revealed workers racing against time to complete stages, sound systems and other entertainment infrastructure, while security personnel intensified beach patrols in preparation for the influx of visitors.
Authorities have assured the public that elaborate security and traffic management plans are in place to guarantee the safety of attendees throughout the festival.
Malindi Sub-County Police Commander Moses Kosgei said a multi-agency security operation has been deployed, bringing together officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Kenya Police Service, Tourist Police Unit, Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Prisons Service.
"We have mobilized enough security inside and outside the event venue. Various security units will be deployed to ensure revelers are safe, while traffic diversions and the temporary closure of sections of the Malindi-Lamu Road will help ease congestion around the venue," Kosgei said.
Malindi Municipality Manager Dadu Chome described the festival as a milestone for the town, saying it reflects Malindi's growing reputation as a preferred tourism and entertainment destination.
"We have confirmed with players in the hospitality industry that hotels are fully booked. Many visitors are already in town, and even Airbnb facilities have been fully occupied," he said.
Festival organizer Lyn Brand expressed confidence that this year's edition would be the biggest yet, noting that international performers will join local artists in entertaining thousands of guests.
"Our lineup features several international acts alongside local performers. We are working closely with local authorities to ensure the event is safe and successful, and we expect more than 15,000 people," she said.
Founded in 2017, the Summertides Festival has grown into one of Africa's biggest annual beach entertainment events, attracting thousands of music lovers and tourists every July. Last year's edition, held at Jacaranda Beach Resort in Diani, Kwale County, drew more than 25,000 attendees with its mix of world-class DJs, beach parties and coastal experiences.
This year's move to Malindi is expected to strengthen efforts to position the town as a year-round tourist destination, particularly during the traditionally slower tourism season.
According to the festival's organizers, the event aims to challenge the perception that Kenya's Coast only thrives during peak holiday periods.
Under the campaign slogan #SayNoToLowSeason, organizers hope the festival will encourage hotels and businesses to remain open throughout the year by attracting visitors even during the windy and rainy months.
Tickets for the event, available exclusively online, range between Sh3,000 and Sh6,000, depending on the category and booking period.
With international DJs from South Africa and the United Kingdom expected to headline alongside Kenyan artists, the festival promises three days of music, culture and entertainment while delivering a significant economic boost to Malindi and neighbouring Watamu through increased tourism, business activity and global exposure.
