Shakahola, a name that became synonymous with grief after more than 450 people lost their lives in a cult tragedy, is now set to turn a new page with the establishment of a 200‑acre golf and hospitality project that promises jobs, tourism growth, and fresh investment.
The Tsavo Golf Course project, which will feature an 18‑hole golf course, modern accommodation, a swimming pool, tennis courts, camping sites, and a cultural center, is expected to deliberately position Shakahola as a leisure and investment destination, rather than a symbol of sorrow.
The forested area of Shakahola shocked the nation when investigators uncovered mass graves linked to the Good News International Church, whose leader, Paul Mackenzie, allegedly urged followers to starve themselves to death in the name of faith.
Survivors described coded language used to disguise killings, while confessions revealed systematic indoctrination and brutal enforcement of obedience. The tragedy left families torn apart and Kilifi’s reputation scarred, with Shakahola remembered as a place of death and extremism.
The Shakahola Golf Course Project was conceptualised during the Kilifi Investment Conference in Vipingo held early this year, with investors and developers inspired to transform Kilifi into a coastal investment hub.
Project Director Julius Kihara said the idea for the golf development was conceived during the conference, where he interacted with officials involved in the Special Economic Zone initiative.
“Kilifi has very good land, a very good climate, and very hospitable people. I was advised to look at how we could improve tourism and create employment, especially in agriculture,” Kihara said, Monday.
He noted that the project that is being implemented in the Kalongoni area within the infamous forest had already attracted interest from golfers and investors after developers used a tournament to market Shakahola as a new investment hub.
To build confidence, the development is being undertaken in collaboration with local landowners, with financial transactions supervised by Equity Bank.
Project Coordinator Noni Mbuggus said the facilities would draw visitors, including tourists travelling on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
“We are going to have a lot of traffic, with people coming by SGR to play golf, swim, and enjoy the other facilities,” she said.
Local residents have also benefited from jobs during construction. “When we were starting the construction around the river, we used people from the community,” Mbuggus added.
Kilifi County Director of Tourism Mary Kabani said the project would diversify the county’s tourism products while creating opportunities for youth and women.
Residents of Kalongoni forest welcomed the development, saying they expect improved livelihoods, with Abdallah Karisa Charo, saying the community was consulted before the project began.
“We received this project with open arms because we were involved before it started. We were told that it would help the local community,” Charo said.
Another resident, Loice Kazungu Nyale, said the project would give local youth a chance to use their skills while supporting families. She appealed to developers to also support women farmers with water pipes and machinery to boost food production.
By Shani Rhai and Emmanuel Masha
