The architectural face of Mombasa is changing, but not with skyscrapers. Instead, colonial-era buildings and residential plots are being flattened to make way for a booming, glittering trade: second-hand car showrooms.

Driven by high demand from upcountry and neighboring nations like Uganda and South Sudan, dealers are expanding their footprint in the port city. "A car on the yard is worth two in the bond," quips dealer Ahmed Swaleh. By stocking vehicles locally, they cut the logistical nightmare of port clearance for buyers, offering a "drive-away" convenience that is reshaping the city's real estate.

The Economics of the Yard

This shift signals a change in the local economy. Landlords are finding that leasing empty lots to car dealers is more lucrative and less headache-inducing than maintaining old residential blocks. However, urban planners worry about the "heat island" effect—replacing green spaces and stone structures with acres of asphalt and metal.

• The Regional Hub: Mombasa is cementing its status not just as a transit point, but as a marketplace. The "Toyotas" and "Mazdas" lining Moi Avenue are destined for roads from Kampala to Juba.
• The Risk: The sector is highly sensitive to tax policy. With the government constantly tweaking import duties and age limits, the boom could turn into a bust overnight, leaving Mombasa with empty lots instead of vibrant businesses.

For now, the roar of engines has replaced the hum of residential life in key parts of the city. Mombasa is moving, quite literally, on four wheels.