Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean. It has a major port and an international airport. The city is the centre of the coastal tourism industry. The original Arabic name is Manbasa; in Kiswahili it is called Kisiwa Cha Mvita (or Mvita for short), which means "Island of War", due to the many changes in its ownership. The town is also the headquarters of Mombasa District which, like most other districts in Kenya, is named after its chief town.
The city is well developed in terms of infrastructure.The Kilindini Port is the largest port in East Africa and handles thousands of containers daily.High standards of education are also prevalent with centres of excellence such as Oshwal School and Braeburn School which offer British curriculum as well as Sheikh Khalifa and Mama Ngina schools which offer the 8-4-4 system are located in Mombasa.Tertiary institutions such as the University of Nairobi also have campuses in the area.
Mombasa is also home to the world famous Fort Jesus,a 15th century Portuguese barracks that is now a tourist attraction.Other areas of interest include Haller Park,Mamba Village,Butterfly Pavilion,Nyali Cinemax as well as major shopping malls such as Nawal Centre,Lulu Centre and Nakumatt Nyali.
Accomodation is also ample with the presence of resorts such as Sun n Sand,Mombasa Beach Hotel, and the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa.
Healthcare is also first class in the city with the Aga Khan Hospital,Mombasa Hospital and Pandya Hospital providing both in-patient and out-patient services as well as emergency care.