Fort Jesus, Kenya’s historical monument located in Mombasa is reportedly on the cusp of crumbling.
The 500-year-old historical structure has allegedly developed cracks as a result of strong ocean waves.
Amran Hussein, the Keeper, Antiquities, Sites and Monuments in the Coast region said the building, which was designed by Italian architect Joao Babtista Cairato developed a major fissure at its footing after it was hit by extremely strong water waves.
“Last year the waves were so strong and it was so windy that a crack developed at the foot of the fort,” says Hussein.
Director of Antiquities, Sites and Monuments at the National Museums of Kenya Purity Kiura said Fort Jesus’ problems have been building up for five centuries.
“Its possible climate change and sea waves have been hitting at the coral stones for the last 500 years. In the past, there was a wall to protect the fort from the waves but this was eaten away. The waves have now reached the base of the fort,” Kiura says.
The fort was declared a national park in 1858, and in 2011 it was named United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. It is one most visited historical sites in the East African region by tourists from across the world.
This tells alot. It is the…
This tells alot. It is the collapse of the Master -servant relationship that is coming to an end. Masters will never take any more slaves from East Afrika or from Afrika at large. They are done. The world is changing. God help Kenya!!!
It is imperative that we…
It is imperative that we save historical structures like fort Jesus as part of our history and as a reminder of where we have come from, lessons learned and where we are going.. Last time I visited fort jesus some parts smelled urine, maintenance was next to zero, muddy ground in certain areas.Money obviously been located to save the building but eaten by Joho et al.
@Mugikuyu. Nakubaliana nawe…
@Mugikuyu. Nakubaliana nawe Ndugu. Ningependa ujue ya kwamba pesa ambazo zahitajiwa kulilinda jumba hili la zamani, zimepotelea kwenye mifuko ya wezi ambao wanafanya kazi katika serikali yetu ya majizi.