Mombasa, one of the favorite and main destinations for foreign investment, especially in the real estate market, is home to a considerable number of foreigners from Asia, Europe, the United States and even Australia. So where in Mombasa do these expats or foreigners live?

Mombasa has established its name as a cultural port city that has been able to withstand numerous invasions and occupations by foreigners from overseas countries. The city’s various tourist attractions include coral reefs and islands, sandy beaches, historical monuments, a variety of wildlife, and a conducive tropical climate, which have attracted local and foreign investors in various sectors of the economy.

Mombasa’s Little Europe, Mtwapa

If you want to go to Europe, you don’t need to spend a fortune to do so. Just take a walk to Mtwapa, located less than 10 miles northeast of the city.

• An old, vibrant and busy city, Mtwapa comfortably operates on a 24-hour economy and is the fastest growing real estate market in Mombasa.

• Originally occupied by a native community, Mtwapa got its name from the locals who referred to themselves as “mtu wa hapa”, which means “someone from here” with the aim of segregating outsiders. This is no longer the case as Mtwapa has become a confluence of local and international cultures.

• Mtwapa is popularly known as Little Europe due to the large number of Italians, Germans and British who have literally driven out the natives (who can no longer afford the rising cost of living in the city).

• Mtwapa is proving to be an ideal investment location, especially in the real estate market with an acre of land costing between Ksh 16 million and Ksh 18 million.

Mtwapa has it all, from modern entertainment venues, 4-5 star hotels, complex buildings and wildlife sanctuaries to archaeological relics, a beach, religious buildings, and pathways to the Indian Ocean, which generate a good return on investment.

• Mtwapa has not emerged unscathed from locals lamenting the erosion of social and cultural ideals as prostitution, gay affairs and stripper clubs become a norm in the city.

Asian / Arab city of Mombasa

Asians and Arabs have occupied the city of Mombasa since pre-modern times when they came to the city to exchange their goods and services for gold, ivory, and spices. Many of them chose to reside in the port city becoming part of the city.

• Old Town, located in the southeast of the island, is the Asian / Arab city of Mombasa that is home to the majority of people of Asian and Arab origin.

• The residence of Asians and Arabs here can be understood as the area has numerous structures, street arrangements and building designs, architecture and character that is distinctly Asian and Arab and would naturally feel like home away from home.

• Interestingly, there are several temples and mosques here to meet the religious needs of the population.

The city of the rich Mombasa

Occupied mainly by well-to-do foreigners and the “who’s who” in Mombasa’s social and business circles (celebrities, businessmen, and politicians), Nyali is the city of the rich.

• Located less than 20 minutes north of the city center, Nyali has the best in terms of infrastructure.

• Sloping towards the Indian Ocean and home to numerous high-end resorts and hotels, such as Sarova White & Sands and Intercontiental Hotel, etc., residential villas and commercial facilities, Nyali is perhaps the most expensive place to live and even invest within the city.

• Most of the foreign expatriates working for multinational companies operating in Mombasa reside in Nyali, which helps to improve economic performance and wealth progress.

• Nyali has the best movie theaters like the Nyali Cinemax, shopping centers like City Mall, restaurants like Galitos and coffee shops (like Java and Dormans).

—