Kenya’s rich history is reflected in its vast array of heritage sites, which offer a glimpse into the country’s past, culture, and traditions. However, the preservation of these sites has become a growing concern, with 400 historical locations facing extinction due to poor maintenance and lack of funding. The deteriorating state of these sites has discouraged both local and international tourists, leading to declining revenue and increasing fears that Kenya may lose valuable aspects of its history.
The issue was recently highlighted by Principal Secretary of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Ms. Umma Bashir, who addressed the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture. She stressed that insufficient financial resources have made it difficult to maintain and rehabilitate these heritage sites. While advocating for increased budgetary allocations, Ms. Bashir emphasized that urgent intervention is needed to prevent the country from losing its historical landmarks to neglect. She urged the government to take proactive steps in ensuring the sites are preserved for future generations.
One of the key concerns surrounding the state of Kenya’s heritage sites is the decline in tourism. Visitors who do make the effort to explore these places often leave disappointed due to their dilapidated condition. The sites, which should serve as major attractions, have instead become examples of neglect, with crumbling structures, overgrown vegetation, and inadequate facilities. This has led to reduced interest from tourists, both domestic and foreign, who expect better-maintained historical landmarks. The dwindling number of visitors translates to lower revenue, further exacerbating the financial difficulties faced by the heritage department.
Funding constraints remain the biggest hurdle in the restoration of these sites. The department’s budgetary needs for the 2025/26 financial year amount to Kshs. 5.98 billion, yet only Kshs. 3.54 billion has been allocated. The gap in funding severely limits the department’s ability to carry out necessary repairs and conservation efforts. With only Kshs. 90 million set aside for development, the challenge of maintaining Kenya’s heritage sites remains daunting. The department has therefore been urged to explore alternative funding sources, including partnerships with global donors and conservation organizations. Suba South MP, Caroli Omondi, suggested seeking financial support from international entities that specialize in cultural preservation, arguing that Kenya’s rich history is of global significance and should attract interest from foreign partners.
In addition to the conservation of historical sites, other cultural initiatives are also facing funding shortages. The establishment of the Heroes Fund, which aims to honor national icons such as the late broadcaster Mambo Mbotela, has been delayed due to financial constraints. The department has requested Kshs. 50 million for the fund, yet its implementation remains uncertain. Similarly, projects such as the construction of the Wundanyi Resource Centre, the establishment of a music studio for artists, and the upgrading of the Kapenguria Six site have all been affected by budgetary limitations. The lack of funding has also stalled the finalization of the Kiswahili Bill and the formation of the National Kiswahili Council, which were intended to promote and develop the use of Kiswahili in Kenya.
Given the significance of Kenya’s heritage, it is crucial that the government prioritizes the rehabilitation of historical sites before they are lost forever. The preservation of these landmarks not only serves to protect the nation’s cultural identity but also plays a critical role in boosting tourism and the economy. The government must seek innovative solutions to bridge the funding gap, whether through private partnerships, international aid, or increased budgetary allocations. Without immediate action, Kenya risks losing an invaluable part of its history, which once gone, cannot be recovered.
