About Us

About WATAMU MUNICIPALITY Municipality

Learn about WATAMU MUNICIPALITY Municipality, its history, vision, mission, governance, strategic objectives, and commitment to sustainable urban development and quality service delivery.

Our Story Vision & Mission Core Values Achievements

Our Story

History of Watamu Municipality

Watamu Municipality is an urban area established under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 (as amended in 2019) and operates under the County Government of WATAMU MUNICIPALITY. The municipality was officially granted its Municipal Charter on 31st January 2024 and is mandated to provide efficient, accountable, and sustainable urban management and service delivery.

Situated along Kenya's northern coastline, Watamu Municipality is internationally renowned for its pristine beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and vibrant tourism industry. Historically, Watamu evolved from a small coastal fishing and trading settlement with deep-rooted Swahili cultural heritage into one of Kenya's leading tourism destinations. The municipality is home to diverse communities whose livelihoods are supported by tourism, fishing, conservation, trade, and small-scale agriculture.

Today, Watamu Municipality continues to promote planned urban development, environmental conservation, modern infrastructure, and quality public services while fostering economic growth and preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage. Guided by its vision of becoming a model green and sustainable municipality and a world-class tourism hub, the municipality remains committed to creating a clean, safe, and prosperous environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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Guiding Principles

Vision & Mission

Vision

To be a model green and sustainable Municipality offering quality urban services and a competitive investment destination.

Mission

To provide efficient, effective, inclusive and sustainable municipal services that improve the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.

What We Stand For

Core Values

Integrity

Transparency

Accountability

Professionalism

Inclusivity

Sustainability

Innovation

Excellence

Our Roadmap

Strategic Objectives

1

Improve urban infrastructure

2

Enhance environmental sustainability

3

Promote economic growth

4

Improve public service delivery

5

Strengthen governance and accountability

6

Promote citizen participation

7

Develop sustainable tourism

8

Improve public safety

9

Enhance ICT service delivery

Our Responsibility

Mandate

Urban Planning, Roads and Infrastructure, Street Lighting, Solid Waste Management, Environmental Conservation, Markets Management, Public Health Support, Physical Planning, Building Development Control, Disaster Preparedness, Community Participation, Revenue Enhancement, Investment Promotion, Tourism Promotion, Urban Beautification, Climate Change Adaptation.

Our Commitment

Service Charter

Our Service Delivery Charter outlines our commitment to timely, courteous, and efficient service delivery. All services shall be provided with integrity and transparency.

Our Milestones

Key Achievements

Achievement	Value	Description
Kilometers of Roads Constructed	120 km	Upgraded and new tarmac roads across the municipality.
Streetlights Installed	1,500	Improved street lighting for safety and security.
Waste Collection Trucks Procured	15	Enhanced solid waste management capacity.
Markets Upgraded	4	Modernised markets to boost local trade.
Trees Planted	25,000	Contributed to the greening of the municipality.

Governance

Parent Department

County Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development

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