Kenya's coastline offers water sports lovers a place to shine

Kitesurfing began to develop in Kenya at the beginning of the century, and when the school was established in 2013, there were very few kitesurfing training schools in Diani, Shamala said. The number has increased to around 15 this year and more than 40 now exist in Kenya's coastal towns, he said, adding that he receives between 300 and 400 trainees every year.

"Back when I started the school, all the other kitesurfing training institutes were set up by foreigners, most of them from Europe and America," he said. "Nowadays more Kenyans are also practicing the sport, although they still account for only 10 percent of the total number."

According to Shamala's observation, over the past 10 years, kitesurfing has gained increasing popularity in Kenya, although there have been fluctuations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a big drop in the number of tourists. However, the market is picking up steadily again, he said.

Although an exciting sport, kitesurfing is not for everyone. Juma Nzaphila, a 30-year-old kitesurfing coach in Diani, said the sport requires good physical condition and strong swimming skills are a must.

"Not everybody can do this. If you're having a back problem or waist problem, then you cannot do it. We use the power from our back and waist when practicing kitesurfing," he said. "You must also be a good swimmer because you are doing the sport in water, so you have to know how to help yourself when you fall."