Ailing tourism set for further beating as Mombasa's Old Town falls into ruins

The ailing tourism sector is set for further beating if the government does not release funds to repair historical structures in Mombasa’s Old Town.

Lack of funding is drawing back conservation efforts and this is threatening to destroy a heritage that supports the tourism industry.

Buildings, some over 200 years old, within the gazetted area are crumbling, yet the national and county governments do not seem to care.

Conservationists warn that this might deal a big blow to the already dwindling fortunes in the tourism sector if necessary measures are not urgently taken.

National Museums of Kenya (NMK) Assistant Director Athman Hussein said even though at least Sh300 million is required for restoration of the buildings, the government has not allocated even a penny for the works.

He said owners do not have cash to renovate the buildings. They are also complaining that even though their assets attract many visitors who pay tour operators a lot of money while earning the exchequer billions of shillings in foreign exchange, they benefit very little from their existence.

“In other countries, governments allocate funds for maintaining such structures of historical value. Property owners are now threatening to sell them off,” said Mr Hussein.

The buildings in Mombasa and Lamu old towns were last renovated in 2002 when the European Union gave a Sh100 million grant. “The government has never allocated money for repairs,” said Mr Hussein.

Tourism stakeholders are also concerned over the neglect. Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Executive Officer Sam Ikwaye called for a long term plan for maintaining the buildings.

“We cannot keep looking up to donors when national and county governments should ideally set up a fund for the purpose,” he said.

However, Mr Ikwaye challenged property owners also to invest in maintenance of the buildings. “They should appreciate that these structures support their lives through tourism,” he said.

Mombasa’s old town is a crucial tourist attraction site featured in the city tour circuit. Thousands of tourists enjoy visits to Fort Jesus and tours along the narrow streets.

Among the attractions is unique architecture of structures built in the early 19th century, with a mix of Arabic, Indian, Portuguese and Persian influence. Fort Jesus is more than 400 years old.

However, most of the buildings within the conservation area are now in dire need of repairs and reconstruction. As you stroll along the narrow alleys, one notices that walls of most buildings are peeling. In some cases, whole structures have collapsed, leaving patches of empty plots with mounds of debris.

Regulations require that NMK approves any new developments in the Old Town.

But Mr Hussein laments that the defunct Mombasa municipal council approved some building plans without their input.

“Implementing such plans threatens the survival of the protected area,” he said.

Mombasa County Lands Executive Francis Thoya said construction of buildings whose plans NMK has not approved has been stopped. “We’ll not allow developers to destroy the heritage,” said Mr Thoya.