A retirement community at Mtwapa, Mombasa, on the coast of Kenya

The Kilulu Retirement Community (Kilulu means ‘little pearl’ in Swahili) is located close to the beach just outside Mtwapa, a rapidly growing town half an hour north of Mombasa on the Mombasa-Malindi road. Close to Jumbe, the famous 700-year-old ruins of a Swahili village situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the Kilulu site was bought for the development of an area for retirees to live in comfort and security within walking distance of the beach and its picturesque walks.

How it all started

In the early nineties, a group of women from the coast branch of the East African Women’s League in Mombasa decided that a retirement/convalescence home was needed at the coast providing a support system for the elderly as well as a pleasant safe haven for recuperation after illness or disability. A three-acre plot of land was purchased in 1995 just north of Mombasa Island at Mtwapa and thus Kilulu came into being after generous donations from supporters provided enough funds to start building.

Facilities Offered

Kiulu opened its doors in January 2003 with six bedsitters and a two-bedroomed cottage. As more funds were received, the home was able to expand with more cottages and a central administration building that presently houses an office, kitchen, stores, dining and living room, staff quarters, generator room and water storage.

Fundraising Activities

Kilulu is fully reliant on funds received through generous donations and fundraising activities such as theatre evenings, picnics, fishing competitions and luncheons.

One memorable evening was a special and incredible dinner on the QE2 when it was docked in Kilindi Harbour. The home is most grateful to those who have supported and who continue to support Kilulu. However, there is a need to continue to keep this special home well maintained on a daily basis in order to live up to the expectations of its tenants.

Residents’ Activities

Residents are encouraged to have their friends and family to visit. Trips to nerby shopping centres and other places of interest can be organised by the management.

Accommodation and Facilities

At Kilulu we have eight bedsitters, all of which have their own bathroom, small kitchenette and roomy veranda; a one-bedroom cottage that has a separate bedroom and sitting room; and a self-contained two-bedroom cottage. There is a TV outlet in every room. It is possible for intending residents to purchase their own bedsit or cottage and thereafter a service charge is payable on a monthly basis to help cover running costs. The price of the unit reverts back to the owner’s estate, less a small charge, when resold to the next occupant. All accomodation has maid service, meals provided, 24-hour security and electricity. There is a well which provides water along with some rain catchments and a mains water supply.

Kilulu Staff

Kilulu has a manager who overseas the tenants and administration on a daily basis. A qualified nurse visits once a week to tend to the tenants’ medical requirements. Residents’ doctors are encouraged to visit as necessary. There are maids who see to the cleanliness of the rooms and cottages. The large garden is tended by two staff. The security staffa re accompanied by the home’s security dogs, who by day have become friendly mascots for the residents and by nights are on patrol duty with the guards.

Where we are located

Kilulu is situated about 18 kms north of Mombasa Island near the 700-year-old Jumbe ruins, originally a Swahili settlement during the time the Kenya coast became a famous trading port for ships and dhows from India, Arabia and the Far East. In this little pearl safe haven, a newly built swimming pool provides the homes occupants with a serene place in the garden to enjoy daily exercise or to sit by the water in a peaceful and colourful environment

Location Map

Please address all enquiries to

Mrs Beverley Herd (Founder member)

Mobile +254 (0) 722 411 349 bubles.herd@gmail.com

Mrs Ursula Brenneisen (Founder member)

Mobile +254 (0) 722 872 589 breneisen@ikenya.com

Mrs Jennifer Lalji (Kilulu Manager)

Mobile +254 (0) 722 366 540

P.O.Box 95811, 80106 Mombasa, Mkomani, Kenya, East Africa