Heritage preservation, tourism, cultural education, Swahili civilization documentation
Lamu Old Town UNESCO Conservation
Ongoing conservation of Lamu Old Town, East Africa's oldest Swahili settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
AnnouncedJanuary 1, 2001
StartedJanuary 1, 1986
Financials
Offering PriceKsh 2,000,000,000KES
Timeline
UNESCO World Heritage Inscription
Lamu Old Town inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa
LAPSSET Threat Warning
UNESCO flagged LAPSSET corridor as potential threat to Lamu's Outstanding Universal Value; Heritage Impact Assessment conducted
Danger List Warning
UNESCO warned Lamu could be inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to lack of progress on mitigation measures
Scandals & Controversies
LAPSSET Threat Warning
January 1, 2015UNESCO flagged LAPSSET corridor as potential threat to Lamu's Outstanding Universal Value; Heritage Impact Assessment conducted
Contractors
National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
Conservation and ManagementOperates the Lamu World Heritage Site and Conservation Office since 1986
Politicians Involved
Daniel arap Moi
President of KenyaOversaw UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2001
Benefits
Description
Lamu Old Town, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, with approximately 532 coral stone and mangrove timber houses. The National Museums of Kenya operates the Lamu World Heritage Site and Conservation Office (since 1986), managing ongoing conservation, restoration of historic buildings, and protection from urban encroachment. Major challenges include threats from the LAPSSET corridor development, informal settlement expansion on the sand dunes water catchment, fire risks, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. UNESCO has repeatedly flagged concerns about LAPSSET impacts.
Overview
East Africa's most important Swahili cultural heritage site, preserving 700+ years of continuous Swahili civilization including architecture, culture, and Islamic learning traditions.