Coast Province, Former province of Kenya with coastal location
Coast Province was a former administrative region of Kenya extending along the Indian Ocean shoreline, encompassing districts such as Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita-Taveta. The territory was defined by its long coastline, mangrove forests, and numerous trading centers that shaped the economic and social life of coastal communities.
The province was established with Mombasa serving as its administrative center until 2013, functioning as a key point for British East African governance before Nairobi rose to prominence. Following Kenya's constitutional reforms in 2010, the province was dissolved and reorganized into six independent counties that now operate as autonomous administrative units.
The Mijikenda and Swahili communities inhabit this region, their traditions shaped by centuries of interaction with Arab, Indian, and Portuguese merchants. These cultural practices remain visible today in local customs, languages, and the daily life of coastal residents.
The former administrative territory no longer exists as a unified entity, but its districts remain accessible and organized as separate administrative centers. Visitors today focus on individual counties such as Mombasa or Lamu located in this coastal region, each offering its own attractions and access points.
The region contains Watamu Marine National Park, East Africa's first marine park, which protects coral reefs and ocean ecosystems. This park represents an important conservation effort and draws visitors interested in exploring underwater habitats and marine life.
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