Mombasa modern period, Mombasa was a key node in the complex and far reaching Indian Ocean trading networks, its key exports then were ivory, millet, sesamum and coconuts. In the late pre-colonial period (late 19th century), it was the metropolis of a plantation society, which became dependent on slave labour (sources contradict whether the city was ever an important place for exporting slaves) but ivory caravans remained a major source of economic prosperity. Mombasa became the major port city of pre-colonial Kenya in the Middle Ages and was used to trade with other African port cities, the Persian Empire, the Arabian
Mombasa Mainland Desalination Plant 2018, the daily freshwater needed was , but prevailing sources could only supply . The MMDP is one of four desalination plants planned for construction in Mombasa County, to address the freshwater shortage. MMDP is being developed by "Almar Water Solutions", a Spanish company that specializes in the provision solutions to water-related issues, including infrastructure development, design, financing and operation. MMDP is the first to be developed, with construction planned to start in June 2019 and completion by January 2021. Other desalination plants in the pipeline include "Mombasa West Desalination Plant", located on the western side of Mombasa mainland, with