- A Lamu Old Town conservationist said the introduction of modern architecture and presence of boda boda is a real threat to the town's Unesco status.
- Lamu historian Omar said if measures are not urgently taken to preserve the site, chances are westernisation might soon take over.
Tourism stakeholders in Lamu county have called for the removal of kiosks from the Lamu Old Town.
The structures are said to be a threat to the old town, which was listed by Unesco as a world heritage site in 2001 because of its unique culture and heritage.
The town is a major tourist attraction, with hundreds of tourists thronging the island to get a feel of life in one of Africa's oldest towns.
Lamu Tourism Association chairperson Ghalib Alwy accused the county of not regulating the establishment of stalls along the seafront.
Alwy said this jeopardises the town’s status as a heritage site, destroying the face of the town.
Also of concern is the high number of fish mongers on the seafront who have failed to observe and maintain the required hygiene levels for their joints.
Alwy asked the county to demolish the structures and have them relocated elsewhere.
“We have received many complaints and reports from tourists who said they were unhappy with the hygiene and stench from these stalls. Such reviews have cost us tourists and we shouldn’t allow that to happen,” he said.
Lamu Old Town architectural conservationist Abdalla Ali said the continued introduction of modern architecture, westernised dressing code and presence of boda bodas are a real threat to the town's Unesco status.
He said majority of buildings in the town do not adhere to Unesco regulations for a world heritage site.
The requirements of any place listed as a world heritage site are that they maintain their originality and resist any form of western influence, especially to the architecture, culture and heritage.
“Many historical buildings were neglected and have since collapsed. Majority of the remaining ones have been modernised, and the county needs to put in place laws to regulate that,” Ali said.
Lamu Old Town was in 2014 placed on the World Monuments Watch by Unesco as being under threat from westernisation, forces of nature and the impact of social, political and economic change.
Lamu historian Ahmed Omar said if measures are not urgently taken to preserve the site, chances are westernisation might soon take over.
In his response, Lamu municipality manager Omar Famau said the traders on the seafront will soon be relocated as the completion of the municipal market nears completion.
(edited by Amol Awuor)