Kilifi County

Kilifi County is an administrative region on Kenya's coast that combines sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests, and productive farming areas. The landscape transitions from the Indian Ocean shoreline inland through agricultural zones and varied terrain shaped by local geography.

The region came into being in 2010 when Kilifi District and Malindi District merged, though official county status arrived in 2013. This reorganization was part of a nationwide administrative reform that restructured how Kenya manages its territories.

The Mijikenda people form the heart of this region and maintain traditional customs in sacred forest sites known as Kaya, where visitors can observe local practices and the connection between communities and their ancestral lands.

Visitors can reach the region via the Kilifi Bridge, which connects the northern and southern areas through a main road network. Travel is easiest during dry seasons when road conditions improve and weather is more favorable for getting around.

A medical research center here conducts globally important studies on malaria and childhood diseases, significantly advancing worldwide understanding of these health conditions. This ongoing research work makes the region a vital hub for medical science in Africa.

Inception: March 4, 2013

Capital city: Kilifi

Website: http://kilifi.go.ke

GPS coordinates: -3.66667,39.75000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:00