Kenya:Govt Assures Proposed Lamu Port Will Preserve UNESCO Heritage

By George Okore

 NAIROBI---Ahead of the popular Lamu Annual Festival running from November 24-27, 2011, conservationists are increasingly getting worried that the construction of Kenyan second sea port would affect the international cultural heritage.

With the government planning to develop a port in the town, stakeholders are calling for a master plan for preservation and development of historic areas within the Lamu Archipelago. Lamu Old Town is a unique and rare historical living heritage with more than 700 years of continuous settlement. 

The Kenyan government has reaffirmed it commitments to save the UNESCO cultural heritage from destruction. “We are concerned about the negative cultural impact of proposed Lamu port on the region’s heritage. The Kenyan government will do everything to save Lamu’s famous cultural treasure from annihilation,” says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture Dr Jacob ole Marion.

Cultural and Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama says  through National Museums of Kenya, necessary legal safeguards have been put in place to safeguard   all heritage s assets not only in Lamu, but throughout the country. He says critical measures have been put to insulate the old Lamu Town from the port's side effects. According to the minister, this has been achieved through close collaboration with experts from Japan Port Consultants to ensure that the envisaged development plans blend well with Lamu protected areas.

The Lamu Cultural Festival is an annual event, held in November and dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the unique Swahili culture of the Lamu Archipelago. The Cultural Festival promotes the value of local traditions and customs, strengthens community values and provides an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and heritage of this unique and historical part of the Northern Coast of Kenya.

Since its inscription as a World Heritage Site in 2001, the Lamu Cultural Promotion Group, a community based organization, has been presenting an annual cultural festival to celebrate the history and culture of this Swahili town.

The diversity of customs and traditions are also celebrated with traditional dances from all of the islands, traditional handicraft exhibitions, readings and presentations by Swahili poets and writers, musical performances by local and visiting artists, henna painting, wood carving, dhow making, mat and palm weaving.

Swahili cuisine is also an important part of Lamu Culture, abundant fresh seafood, coconut, exotic spices and tropical fruit are all a part of the traditional foods on offer. The people of Lamu are very proud of their culture and heritage, and are very welcoming, and happy to share their island with visitors, provided respect is shown for the Muslim culture.

The three day festival showcases traditional dances, displays of handicraft and competitions on water and land (Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races) and musical performances. Competitive events held during the Festival include Donkey, dhow and swimming races, all of which reflect the Lamu way of life, dhows and donkeys being the main forms of transport available on the island.