Lamus International Day For Sites And Monuments

The celebrations will continue till Monday as part of a series of events known as “Lamu watch day”.

The festivities are held annually as a way of commemorating Lamu and the fact that it has been added on this year’s World Monuments Fund (WMF) watch list.

World Monument Fund watch is a call for action for cultural heritage around the globe that risks from the forces of nature and impacts from social political and economic change.

The 2014 watch features 67 sites in 41 countries and territories dating from pre-history to the twentieth century which include Lamu old town.

Speaking during the launch of the project, Lamu county executive for trade, tourism and culture Samia Omar, stated that it is Lamu’s pride to be one of the oldest town with the best preserved living settlement.

Among the Swahili towns of the East African Coast, Lamu is recognized by the UNESCO world heritage sites.

Being a world heritage site, the town also faces unique challenges of preservation of the cultural aspect which benefits locals and the County Government through tourism.

The stake holders teamed up to clean some of the historical sites such as Kinooni, Tomb of Zahidi Mnguni Pillar and the Tomb of Mwanahidie Famau which are under threat.

Diversity in the industry will involve marketing Lamu culture to the outside community apart from the famous monuments to attract more tourists in the region.

The annual festival will also present a rare opportunity for locals to learn and discover their environment.

The ceremony will include a series of activities which include treasure hunt, traditional performances of kirumbizi and ndurenge drams as well as Swahili door exhibitions.

By Angel Mboya