Major Fire Strikes Key Diani Resorts

A fierce fire broke out at the luxury Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa in Kwale County on Friday, November 21, 2025, before spreading to the adjacent Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort. Strong coastal winds fanned the flames, causing extensive damage to both properties and forcing the evacuation of all guests and staff. Emergency crews from the Kwale County Fire Department and the Kenya Red Cross responded to the blaze, which was brought under control by Friday evening, local time. Authorities have confirmed that there were no fatalities or serious injuries.

The fire, which reportedly started at the Diani Reef, gutted the main wing and several guest facilities. It then spread to the neighboring Diamonds Leisure, destroying multiple beachfront bungalows and parts of the clubhouse. Eyewitness footage shared widely on social media showed thick plumes of smoke and large flames engulfing sections of the hotels. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with officials from Kwale County disaster management and the National Fire Safety Authority on-site to determine the origin. Early reports suggest a possible electrical malfunction as a potential cause.

Economic Impact and Tourism Sector Concerns

The incident deals a significant blow to the Diani tourism circuit, a cornerstone of Kenya's coastal economy. Both resorts are major employers in the region and key attractions for international and domestic tourists. The timing is particularly damaging, occurring just as the industry prepares for the busy December high season. The management of both resorts have reportedly pledged to provide full refunds and assist with rebooking for all affected guests, who have been relocated to other hotels in the area. However, the long-term impact on bookings and local employment remains a primary concern. The full economic impact, including potential job losses and revenue decline for the county, is yet to be quantified. OFFICIAL STATEMENTS FROM HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND THE KENYA TOURISM BOARD ARE PENDING.

This fire brings the issue of fire safety and disaster preparedness in Kenya's hospitality sector into sharp focus. This is not the first such incident at the Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa; the Kenya Red Cross had previously reported a fire at the hotel on September 8, 2024, which caused significant damage to a section of the property. Historical precedents in the Diani area, such as the 2016 fire that destroyed three Neptune hotels and numerous cottages, have previously highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly with traditional makuti-thatched roofing and the challenges of emergency response. Following this latest incident, Kwale County authorities have urged all coastal hotels to conduct urgent reviews of their fire safety protocols.

Hotel Profiles and Regional Significance

The Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, owned by the Kamani family, is a prominent 5-star establishment and a significant player in the region's hospitality industry. The Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, formerly known as Leisure Lodge, is owned by the Kantaria family, who acquired it in partnership with the international Diamonds Resorts brand. It is renowned for its 18-hole championship golf course, one of the most celebrated in East Africa. The damage to these landmark properties represents a substantial loss of high-end tourist bed capacity in one of East Africa's most popular beach destinations. The incident underscores the vulnerability of the tourism sector to such shocks and will necessitate a thorough investigation and robust recovery plan to restore confidence and rebuild the damaged infrastructure. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED into the specific recovery timelines and long-term plans for both resorts.