Residents of Kilifi were left stunned this week after a massive luxury yacht, valued at nearly KSh 9.7 billion, appeared along the Kenyan coastline — sparking curiosity, rumors, and viral social media discussions about its mysterious owner.
The 62-meter superyacht, named “SALT,” is an Italian-built marvel crafted by CRN shipyards and designed by the world-renowned Nuvolari Lenard studio. Its arrival in Kenya has drawn not just locals but also tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vessel anchored in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Initial reports had hinted that the yacht might have been seized for carrying illegal weapons, but Kilifi authorities swiftly dismissed the claims.
Officials clarified that the vessel was only temporarily detained for lacking proper entry clearance. On board were six foreign tourists, all of whom reportedly possessed legally registered firearms — standard protection for international sea travel.
The “SALT” is no ordinary yacht. With five luxurious decks, a private pool, Jacuzzi, beach club, and floor-to-ceiling glass views, it represents the pinnacle of modern sea luxury. It can host up to 12 guests and is staffed by 17 crew members, offering the kind of opulence seen only in billionaire circles.
Originally launched in 2020 under the name “VOICE,” the yacht was listed for sale in Dubai last year for €65 million (KSh 9.72 billion) before being sold privately in mid-2025. The new owner’s identity remains undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to the vessel’s Kenyan visit.
As the SALT glides silently under the British Virgin Islands flag, it has become more than a symbol of wealth — it’s a spectacle that has temporarily turned the quiet Kilifi coastline into Kenya’s newest hotspot for curiosity and conversation.
