The iconic Gede Ruins in Kilifi County (pictured) are being considered for World Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
According to Dr. Evangeline Njoka, secretary-general of the Kenya National Commission for Unesco, the site has been considered for prestigious recognition after meeting key cultural and natural criteria developed by Unesco for heritage sites.
She stated that they are collaborating closely with Unesco on the process prior to the official announcement. She went on to say that the move would solidify the 600-year-old Swahili settlement ruins as a major tourist attraction.
The ruins date back to the 12th century when residents fled their homes due to constant battles between Mombasa and Malindi Arab rulers, as well as attacks by Orma community warriors.
Tentative list
Gede Ruins was on a preliminary list of areas proposed to Unesco for listing. Others include cultural and natural landmarks that Unesco has designated as World Heritage Sites.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites outlined five steps for World Heritage Site qualification. They include state-suggested sites and monuments.
The nomination file is reviewed by the centre before being forwarded to advisory bodies comprised of the World Heritage Convention, the International Council of Monuments and Sites, the World Conservation Union, and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property representatives for evaluation and consideration.
The World Heritage Committee looks into the list and makes a final decision on the proposed sites and monuments.
Njoka said Gede ruins have met most of the stipulated criteria, adding that her commission and Kenya National Museums of Kenya have presented a strong case for it. “We have done a lot of paperwork to ensure the archaeological site, which carries the rich history of our coastal communities, is enlisted as the latest world heritage site,” she said.
Kenya has four listed cultural sites, namely Lamu Old town, Fort Jesus, Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests and Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site; and three natural sites; Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Turkana National Park and Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley (Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita).
