The New Year 2026 was ushered in grand style in the coastal city of Mombasa, with vibrant beach fireworks lighting up the coastal skyline and churches holding solemn night vigils, even as residents and guests welcomed the New Year with joy, prayer, and hope.
Most hotels, entertainment spots and churches were filled to the brim with enthusiastic merrymakers and faithful eager to usher in the New Year.
Most hotels and entertainment establishments hosted hundreds of domestic and international revellers, who gathered along the shoreline, cheering the magnificent display of fireworks that lit up the coastal skyline to welcome 2026.
Others chose a spiritual start to the year, filling churches for night-long vigils. At the Sacred Heart of Christ Catholic Church in Shanzu, worshippers prayed, sang hymns, and listened to a sermon delivered by Fr Vincent Alicho.
At Travellers Beach Hotel and Spa, 878 guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment and a massive fireworks display.
The hotel’s Sales and Marketing Manager, James Muchiri, described 2025 as vibrant, noting improved bookings in the hospitality and tourism sectors during the festive period.
“It was quite an exciting moment, of course, we had our highs and lows. You know, the Gen Z demos really affected our productivity in the year 2025,” said Muchiri.
However, he expressed optimism of a prosperous, brighter and blessed year, 2026. We can’t fail to welcome you to Traveller’s Beach Hotel and Spa. This is where these things happen,” he added.
The Sales and Marketing Manager noted that the hotel offers attractive packages for corporate groups, families, and individuals.
David Cope and his wife Maggie travelled from Germany to celebrate the New Year in Mombasa. The couple, who have visited Kenya for 27 years, spend about four and a half months annually in the country supporting nearby schools and football teams.
“Sounds very good. We actually like Kenya. We have travelled round the world, but when it comes to Kenya, we found the people we love. So that’s why we are still here,” said Cope.
On her part, Maggie said Kenya is a wonderful country and its people are hospitable and they have now become a family. Thus why we come back year after year after year,” she added.
“Traveller’s Beach Hotel is unique because it is like family. It is not just a holiday destination. If you get to know the people there you become one big family,” she said.
Dr. Joseph Mangi, a medical practitioner in Nairobi, said he enjoyed the Christmas and New Year with his family in Mombasa. He is optimistic that 2026 will be a more prosperous year for all Kenyans compared to 2025.
“Well, last year was a bit hectic. God has blessed us so much. Hopefully, 2026 will be a better year. Happy New Year to everyone in Kenya,” said Manga.
Meanwhile, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shanzu, Christians held a night vigil in prayer as they welcomed 2026. Station Chairman, Wilbren Mwarenge, wished Kenyans a peaceful and prosperous year
“As we approach the election year 2027, we, from the Church, our main aim and objective is to preach the word of the Lord and to preach peace. Let us all emulate peace, hope, and love as we start the New Year,” said Mwarenge.
“The 2027 elections are not there to divide us, but to bring us together and all religions should be one,” he added, while calling for harmonious coexistence.
By Sadik Hassan
