For decades, traditional Swahili houses have been a defining feature of Mombasa's identity. However, this landscape is rapidly changing as modern high-rise buildings increasingly sprout up in various parts of the city. In streets such as Majengo, Kisauni, Old Town, Tudor, and Ganjoni, old Swahili houses are being demolished to pave the way for apartment buildings that aim to meet the growing demand for housing.
A 90-year-old resident, Abubakar Mohamed, says the traditional houses were built with the coastal environment in mind, featuring designs that allowed for easy airflow and a cooler interior. "The design enabled air to pass through easily and provided a cool atmosphere inside the house. It also reflected the history and culture of the coastal people," he explains.
According to residents, the increasing value of land and high demand for housing have attracted many investors looking to build modern buildings in areas previously occupied by single-family homes. Mohamed Hussein, a resident of Majengo, opted to partner with an investor instead of selling his property. His house was demolished, and a high-rise building is currently being constructed on the site.
As part of their agreement, Hussein will own six units in the new building once the project is completed. "The investor gave me the option to sell or partner with him. I chose partnership because I wanted to retain a portion of the land's ownership," he said. Other residents have chosen to sell their houses and move to other areas, while some have used the funds to start new lives outside the city.
Despite the economic benefits of these projects, experts warn about the risk of Mombasa losing its historical and unique architectural heritage. Dancan Odhiambo, chair of the Kenya Architects Association (AAK) Coast branch, says the demolition of Swahili houses erases an irreplaceable legacy. "Modernization should not come at the cost of the city's architectural identity. Elements of Swahili houses can be incorporated into new buildings to preserve that culture," he notes.
Experts also point out that the increase in high-rise buildings puts pressure on infrastructure such as water supply, sewage systems, roads, parking, and waste management. Architect Abdulnassir Mohamed says development cannot be stopped, but it requires proper planning to ensure the city's growth aligns with its existing infrastructure capacity. "Mombasa can grow without losing its identity, but we need to express the meaning of Mombasa's architecture in modern buildings," he says.
As the traditional Swahili houses disappear and high-rise buildings take their place, Mombasa faces the challenge of balancing modern development with the preservation of its cultural heritage. The city's unique architectural style is at risk of being lost forever, and stakeholders must consider how to protect it for future generations.
Key points
- The demolition of traditional Swahili houses in Mombasa is driven by increasing demand for housing and rising land values.
- Experts warn that modernization should not come at the cost of Mombasa's architectural identity and cultural heritage.
- The city's growth requires proper planning to ensure that development aligns with its existing infrastructure capacity.
