UKUNDA: The Commercial Capital of Kenya's South Coast.

Ukunda is a fast growing town located on Lungalunga Highway which links the City of Mombasa to the Republic of Tanzania. It is famous for the neigbouring Diani beach which attracts tourists from far and wide. Other touristic attractions favouring Ukunda's growth include dolphin tours and snorkeling in Kisite marine park and Wasini island, water activities at Chale island and a booming hospitality sector characterized by increased number of hotel, accommodation and conferencing facilities along Beach Road in Ukunda township. Other than Lungalunga highway, Ukunda is linked to the rest of the world via Ukunda Airport and the neigbouring Moi International Airport, Mombasa Port and Standard Gauge Railway's Mariakani Terminus which are barely 30 kilometres away.

Ukunda hosts the administrative headquaters of Kwale County and is an upcoming academic centre thanks to various colleges and campuses that have opened in the region. Ukunda's economy which is driven by tourism and associated industries is supported by a vabrant financial services sector and a fast growing real estate market. In my analysis, Ukunda has great potential serve as an alternative to the City of Mombasa as a major commercial hub in the Coast of Kenya alongside Malindi and Lamu in the North Coast.

Which other emerging markets do you know?