Tourism CS calls for Mombasa museum to showcase Swahili culture

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has called for the establishment of a museum in Mombasa to showcase Swahili culture.

Mr Balala said it was sad that Mombasa, which has rich history lacks a museum where the fusion of culture between Swahilis and Arabs from Oman who came to trade in the 17th century could be showcased.

The Cabinet secretary said the iconic Fort Jesus does not focus on the Swahili culture since it is associated with historical wars and the Portuguese.

“Time has come for Mombasa to have its own museums so that we can conserve our rich historical culture between the locals and Arabs from Oman who came here in the 17th century,” he said.

Mr Balala said when the museum is established, it will help residents trace their historical identity as well as preserve the Swahili culture for posterity.

The Cabinet secretary said he would donate Sh5 million towards the construction of a new museum which will be known as the Mombasa Museum.

A Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal also pledged to donate Sh5 million in support of the establishment of the museum.

Mr Balala made the remarks on Tuesday at Fort Jesus in Mombasa during the official opening of the refurbished Omani House and Mazrui Exhibition Hall.

The rehabilitation of the house and exhibition hall was funded by the Omani government.

Bilateral relations

Sports, Arts and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, who officially opened the buildings, thanked the Omani government for supporting the rehabilitation of the house and hall.

He said the support had strengthened bilateral relations between Kenya and Oman dating back to the 17th century.

“From the 17th century to date, Mombasa is still maintaining part of the culture of the Oman Arabs including the architecture, songs and dances as well as cuisine,” he said.

“Even the Swahili language borrowed some Arabic words, a demonstration that the locals coexisted with Arabs from Oman when they came here centuries ago,” he added.

He said apart from supporting the rehabilitation of the Oman House and the exhibition hall, the Oman government as well supported a project in Nairobi archives.

Oman Ambassador to Kenya Saleh Al-Harthi said his country would enhance relations with Kenya since the two countries have historical significance.

“Oman and Kenya have historical ties, friendship and relationship between people of the two countries,” he said.

“If you visit the coastal towns, you will find architecture, culture and cuisine which is similar to those of Oman. There is need therefore to strengthen our relationship further,” he added.