Ancient Kilifi mosque at risk as sea waves erode the coastline

Strong waves are slowly eroding sections of the coastline. 

One of the oldest mosques along the Kenyan coast is falling apart.

The Grand Mosque, one of the attractions of the 500-year-old Jumba Ruins in Mtwapa, is cracking and chips of its foundation have been washed away.

The destruction of the mosque has been attributed to strong tidal waves and the effects of global warming on the Indian Ocean.

Archaeologists say the mosque was built in the 1500s.

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has warned that strong tidal waves, caused by global warming, have put iconic and historical sites across the coastline at risk.

The waves and sea water have eroded the mosque's foundation.

"This historical site is being destroyed, thanks to Mother Nature. Remedial measures must be taken to save the ruins from total destruction," the Jumba Ruins curator, Hashim Hinzano Mudzomba, said.

He added that the site was once popular among local and foreign tourists. However, the number of visitors has fallen.

Among the measures that can be taken to protect the site, he said, are the construction of a sea wall along the shore near the Jumba Ruins.

Dr Purity Kiura, who is in charge of the Directorate of Antiquities, Sites and Monuments, said heritage sites and landmarks such as Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the Vasco Da Gama Pillar (Malindi), and the Old British Customs House (Vanga) are also at risk because of erosion along the coastline.

"Historical and cultural sites, enlisted by Unesco for their outstanding universal value, now face an uncertain future due to rising sea levels," she said.