Report On Pilot Study For Conservation And Revitalisation Of Old Town Mombasa

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.