It was quiet around Diani Pamoja for a few weeks. We would like to break the silence and try to tell you a little bit about the tourist situation in the area.
After the borders have been open again since the beginning of August, the tourism industry has recovered only very slowly. The first hotels opened in August and others followed step by step. During August and September, a number of local tourists were counted, but very few visitors from abroad. Since the beginning of October, we have had a little more visitors from abroad – many of them coming to escape the European winter time. Local tourism is booming slightly, which has led to the fact that almost all hotels and also restaurants are now open again. Especially on the weekends Diani is relatively well visited. With special offers and flight/train combinations from Nairobi, those willing to travel are reached and “staycation” seems to be a new magic word for many. This has led to many employees being able to return to their jobs. Not always with 100%, often with reduced working hours. But the salaries come up accordingly and the acute need is relieved.
We have now waited to see whether the trend will spill over into November, and so far this seems to be the case, albeit declining somewhat. Diani Pamoja had made it her mission to provide help because of the loss of tourism. At the moment, this is no longer absolutely necessary in our view. Tourism is better at the moment than during the rainy season. The beach operators make less turnover than usual and some safari companies have no turnover. On the other hand, the construction industry is booming, where many have found temporary employment. New houses and flats are being built on many corners.
Of course, there are still families who need support. But the mass, as it was from April to September, is just not there anymore. We have now thought about how to go on. Finally, thanks to all your help, we have a budget that would be enough for about 300 food packages (we are still sticking to the prescribed amounts that the Red Cross and the County have set – 12 kg corn flour, 7 kg beans and 1 litre of oil).
In the villages there are many families who live very simply. They are happy to receive support. However, they also have land and can grow their own crops. This population group has therefore not been in our focus from the very beginning. We wanted to help specifically in the area of “tourism and around”. So, the question was: save the money and wait and see how the situation develops or to make a last special edition.
We listened to your opinion and in a survey in the relevant Facebook groups, around 87% of you were in favour of saving the money we had already received and waiting to see how the situation and tourism develops. We are happy to follow this enormous majority. In order to keep it transparent, the donation lists will be updated as necessary and our “savings” will be published. As of today, we have almost 480,000 Shillings in our hands – that is about 300 food packages.
