National Museums of Kenya to preserve 100 monuments at Sh2 billion

MOMBASA, KENYA: The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has announced plans to preserve at least 100 monuments and historical significant sites at a cost of Sh2 billion across Kenya.
According to NK's Director General Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia , each of the 47 counties will have a minimum of two monuments  to preserve and protect local heritage to enhance social cohesion and integration.
Dr Kibunjia said  identification of the sites has started and the national government has been requested to provide Sh 1 billion in the next financial year to develop the monuments.
He said NMK will liaise with communities and other stakeholders in the identification of monuments that are worthy of preservation, based on the criteria that they are of historic, cultural and are of symbolic significance and national importance.
"We intend to approach our traditional development partners to support this noble project that also seeks to promote public interest and awareness in sites and monuments," said the NMK boss on Sunday.
Dr Kibunjia made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Lamu Governor Issa Timamy at his office in Lamu town.
He was accompanied by NMK board member Mr Nderitu Mwangi and Dr. Purity Kiura who is in charge of the directorate of antiquities, sites and monuments and other senior officials.
He said beside preserving national heritage, the monuments will serve as research centres to study and document cultural and local values that bring people together and promote social cohesion and values.
Dr Kibunjia revealed that the State Corporation has been allocated Sh 300 million for Development Expenditure this financial year.
"We will spend Sh 100 million to consolidate the foundation of the famous Fort Jesus Museum and construct a sea wall to protect it from rising sea levels," added the NMK boss.
Timamy said a number of iconic historical sites within the county were at great risk of being lost to the sea due to coastal erosion or at the hands of land grabbers.
He mentioned sites found in areas of Ishakani, Siu and Witu where the National Museum of Kenya needs to move with speed to protect them.