The ruins of the ancient Swahili city of Gede, between Malindi and Watamu, have finally been included by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in the list of Kenya's world heritage sites to be preserved.
This is the eighth site in the country to achieve this status and, beyond the rosette, the hope is that it will finally not only be recognised, but also receive funds to improve its tourist attractiveness and the attached museum.
The historic city and the archaeological site were included in the list of world heritage sites during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India.
The leadership of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) said the decision brings renewed focus to conservation efforts and opens up new opportunities for sustainable tourism, research and international cooperation.
As far as Kenya is concerned, the ruins of Gede (or Gedi, according to some) represent the Swahili identity of the coast, with a history going back to shortly after the year 1000, before the destruction of the thriving coastal city around the 16th century.
The ruins include a series of stone houses, a palace and a mosque, all set in lush indigenous forest, amidst towering baobab and ficus trees, monkeys and other animals, creating a unique blend of natural and cultural heritage.
‘We are deeply honoured by this inscription, which underlines the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage,’ said NMK Director-General Mary Gikungu.
Other Kenyan sites recognised as World Heritage are Lake Turkana National Parks; Mount Kenya National Park and Forests; the Old City of Lamu; the Mijikenda Sacred Forests (the so-called Kaya), Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the Great Rift Valley Lakes and the Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site.