By Adan Mahmud
Mombasa’s historic old town is expected to undergo a structural facelift as the county government plans to paint the bustling neighborhood in one color.
Homegrown architectural plans will be put in place by the end of this month to give the town’s ancient buildings a new coat of paint that will unify both its past and present.
“We are finalizing the plans. In a couple of weeks’ time we will issue the policy” Lands, Planning and Housing executive Edward Nyale said “ We are currently in consultations with the stakeholders so that we can decide on the color that we will agree on as a team,”
This latest push to give the old town a new image has brought together officials from Ministry of Tourism, National Museum of Kenya and the business community.
On Tuesday, county officials started collecting views from Old Town residents on the plan seeking their participation ahead of the facelift.
Nyale said the move is to ensure the historical town is given “a distinct color”. He added that the color that will be painted in Old Town buildings will be different from that which will be used at Mombasa’s Central Business District.
Nyale further added that the plan will take into considerations the nature of the historical buildings in Old Town where Fort Jesus, a listed world heritage site is located.
“What is important is to first lay the foundation as we put all matters into considerations. In our ongoing consultations, we have agreed to maintain the look of the unique town. We are careful,” said Nyale when asked about interfering with the face of the town.
Governor Hassan Joho announced that his administration had embarked on the plan that will see both the CBD and Old Town painted in different colors.
“We are in the process of identifying the colors. Historically we are known of culture and heritage. We can go for either white and blue or any other but just to ensure we maintain our identity as Mombasa people,” he said.
Mombasa’s old town, an area that is mostly inhabited by Swahili and Arabs is largely occupied with historical buildings which attract thousands of local and national tourists.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast branch executive officer Sam Ikwaye, hailed the plan saying it will be one of the cheapest ways of beautifying the tourism hub.
“That is a good plan and we are in full support of it. The county needs to just ensure that enough stakeholders are brought on board for consultations when it comes to Old Town so as not interfere with its natural touch,” said Ikwaye.
