The Sultanate of Oman Embassy to Kenya has aided in the rehabilitation of the Lamu Fort Museum in Amu Island at a cost of Sh20 million in a move that will boost the restoration of Lamu’s Old Town Cultural heritage site as well as tourism.
The rehabilitation of the Lamu Museum is part of a larger plan to expound on Oman’s presence in East Africa, which has existed for over five centuries.
The Sultanate of Oman in 2021 in conjunction with UNESCO launched a project to support the world heritage sites in East Africa with funding from the Sultanate.
Kenya, was among the five East African countries that are meant to benefit from the three year initiative for which Lamu Museum, received support in its rehabilitation.
Speaking during the opening of the Lamu Fort Museum since its closure last year Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza hailed the donation towards the rehabilitation of the museum stating that it would aid in Lamu maintaining its Swahili Cultural allure for which it is known for.
“This particular rehabilitation project has provided new opportunities for collaboration in trying to improve the exhibition and presentation of the building, which is a key tourist attraction,” she said.
“The Lamu Museum is a national heritage and a big draw for tourists in Lamu, both for local and international tourists who come to learn about Lamu culture and its origins,” the Tourism CS further stated.
She further acknowledged the support of the Sultanate of Oman for their contribution towards maintaining Lamu as a World Heritage Site, in part due to the close sociocultural ties that Lamu shares with the Middle Eastern country.
Malonza also said that these landmarks are part of our tangible and intangible heritage and need urgent attention for which the support by the Sultanate of Oman is welcome and timely towards saving Lamu’s cultural heritage.
Sentiments echoed by the PS for Culture and Heritage Ummi Mohammed Bashir who stated that the Sultanate of Oman’s embassy contribution would be a boon towards tourism and interest in the rehabilitated museum which can now attract a younger pool of tourists.
“Tourism is fast evolving especially in Kenya, with domestic young tourists seeking more knowledge over the country’s heritage and the move by the Sultanate of Oman to support the Lamu Museum signals a positive turn in the drive to maintain our World Heritage sites,” Bashir stated.
She however, stated that more support is needed towards the restoration of Lamu Old Town, which has some houses that are dilapidated.
National Museums of Kenya Chairman Edwin Obonyo in his remarks further commended the Sultanate of Oman embassy for the positive gesture in restoring the Lamu Museum.
He said that the National Museums of Kenya is working closely with UNESCO and the county government to ensure that Lamu’s Old Town houses are restored to maintain their Swahili allure.
“The county government has shared with NMK that an urban development plan for Lamu Old Town is in place to ensure that the area does not lose its cultural feel as well as funding being sourced from development partners to ensure that the World Heritage Site is maintained,” Abonyo said.
He further said that the refurbished museum will better educate visitors about Swahili traditions through collections such as clothing, domestic utilities and furniture.
By Amenya Ochieng
