dc.description.abstract | In January 1981, The National Museums of Kenya
approached the Department of Architecture, University
of Nairobi with a request to undertake "A Pilot Study
for Conservation and Revitalisation of Old Town - Mombasa".
The department undertook the study in early May 1981, with
the study team comprising of a group of staff and the third
year students of architecture. as a part of the Department's
Historical Studies Programme. The study consisted of a
field survey of a weeks duration by the whole team and
subsequent trips to Old Town by the co-ordinating group.
The Report was prepared as a result of the field surveys
and four weeks of research and documentation work. The
cost of the field trip was covered by a grant of KL500
made available to the department by the National Museums
in April 81.
The Mandate for the study was evolved out of discussions
held in September '80 between representatives of the
National Museums of Kenya, Provincial and City Administration
and Planning Authorities in Mombasa and other
concerned individuals such as members of the Friends of
Fort Jesus Society and Coast Tourists Associations. This
meeting noted that the Old Town of Mombasa with its long
history and rich heritage was deteriorating at an alarming
rate, and that the deterioration was both in the physical
fabric as well as in the economic activity. The participants
felt that appropriate action had to be taken to
conserve important sections and revitalise the Old Town
area. The meeting resolved to commission the Department
of Architecture of the University of Nairobi, to study and
report on Conservation and Revitalisation of Old Town.
(vide minutes of meeting on Conservation of Buildings of
Historical and Architectural interest held at the Provincial
Head Quarters on 29th Sept. 80).
The mandate specifically called for the Preparation of a
Conservation study of the Area together with a master
development plan and subsequent legislation to encourage
revitalisation of the Old Town. | en_US |