Kilifi is a breathtaking county in Kenya that boasts some of the best beaches in Africa. The county lies on the Kilifi Creek and sits on the estuary of the Goshi River. It is bordered by Tana River to the North, Taita Taveta to the West, Mombasa, and Kwale to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.

 

The county's proximity to the Indian Ocean has made it a hub for tourism and fishing. Kilifi, Kikambala, Watamu, and Malindi are some of the most popular beaches in the region, and they are accompanied by some of the best resorts and hotels with finger-licking food preferences. Kilifi is also home to historical sites such as the Mnarani Ruins, which dates back between the fourteenth and seventeenth century.

 

Kilifi people are believed to have originated from the Singwaya (or Shungwaya) from the north of the Somali Coast while escaping the constant attacks from the Cushitic tribes and Oromo people. They ended up settling in the coastal ridges where they built their kayas within a protective setting.

 

The Persians, Arabs, and Portuguese who came to the region for trade purposes had social interactions with the people of Kilifi, leading to intermarriages that resulted in the development of the Swahili language. The main spoken languages in the region are Kiswahili and Mijikenda.

 

The Mijikenda comprises of nine sub-tribes: the Giriama, the Digo, the Chonyi, Duruma, Jibana, Kambe, Kauma, Rabai, and Ribe.

 

They share a common linguistic and cultural heritage.

 

Farming is the main occupation of the people of Kilifi, and more and more land is being devoted to cash crops in modern times. Coconut palms are their most important crop. Despite the influence of foreign modernization, the Mijikenda have maintained many of their cultural beliefs and practices.

 

They practice many beliefs that were from their traditional religion, which was a form of ancestor worship.

 

An interesting cultural taboo they practice to date is the Kaya Taboo, which prohibits the cutting down of specific trees in the area. This has seen the preservation of several rare and endangered plant species.

 

Kilifi is a paradise, and its people exhibit a happy and relaxed mood. The region is renowned for its beautiful beaches, cool culture, and amazing food.

 

The main religions in the region are Islam, Christianity, Hindu, and the African Traditional Religion (ATR).

 

Being in Kilifi and meeting its people will just make you happy and carefree.