Objectives
- The first objective of the program (2001-2003) was to safeguard this ruined building and define a new function for it in the old town, with the help of local residents and stakeholders;
- The second objective (2004-2006) was to completely restore the house to accommodate the proposed activities;
- The last objective (2007-2009) was to launch activities and revitalize this area of the old town.
Leven House is a large house in old Mombasa, named after a British ship that docked in Mombasa in 1824 to abolish slavery and protect the Mazrui family, who ruled Mombasa and feared for their independence from attacks by the Omani fleet. Leven House was purchased in 1837 by Sayyid Saïd, Sultan of Zanzibar. It was home to several missionaries (Krapf in 1844, Rebman), explorers (Burton, Speke) and administrators (First British Consul in 1884). It then passed into the hands of Mr. G.S. Mackenzie, director of the Imperial British East Africa Company in 1891, before belonging to the colonial administration in 1895. The house also served as the German consulate between 1908 and 1928. Leven House, listed as a national heritage site, was finally purchased in an advanced state of disrepair by the Museums of Kenya in 2000.
CRAterre provided technical support for this revitalization project back in 2001. The house was in serious disrepair and the floors had begun to collapse. Acquired in 2000 by the National Museums of Kenya, it was chosen as a practice site for the Africa 2009 regional course, enabling a management plan to be drawn up with the local population, as well as a safeguarding strategy used to raise funds.
Initial work to clean and stabilize the structure began in 2002, thanks to support from the French Embassy, the Africa 2009 program and UNESCO's Heritage Division. With the threat of collapse averted, a vast program for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the site was drawn up in 2003 with the stakeholders of the old town. Numerous discussions with representatives of social groups and associations of the old town's inhabitants led to a division of the building into several activities creating jobs and activities for the district.
Restoration work was carried out between 2005 and 2008, employing over 70 people: carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, painters and labourers. Every stage of the work was carried out in compliance with international conservation standards and traditional construction techniques. A retired mason from Lamu, Fundi Salim Mohamed, led the team of craftsmen, and was able to pass on his knowledge to young masons from the old town during the 4-year construction period.
Leven house is now divided between accommodation for researchers and visitors, offices for MOTCO (Mombasa Old Town Conservation Office), a multi-purpose room for various activities, and a teahouse/restaurant on the first floor.
In addition, the project has been used to train technicians and a group of craftsmen in international restoration standards.
In 2009, a complementary signage project developed with the old town guides and the publication of a promotional booklet helped to raise visitors' awareness of Mombasa.
Results
- The house and square have been completely restored and are very lively;
- Many craftsmen trained in traditional preservation techniques;
- NMK and MOTCO technicians have strengthened their skills in terms of conservation site preparation and management;
- An example of restoration to international standards in the old town;
- Stakeholders better federated and organized ;
- The area has been revitalized by the many activities taking place in and around the house;
- The restaurant, run by women's associations in the old town, has been in operation since 2009;
- 15 people work in the house, and 9 stable jobs have been created;
- 120 items of signage have been installed, marking 3 visitor circuits and providing historical information on important places in three languages: Kiswahili, English and French;
- Facilitating the work of guides ;
- A booklet designed and printed in 3000 copies. The sale of this booklet, provided by the Museums of Kenya, feeds conservation income for the old town of Mombasa;
- Greater visibility for the role of NMK and MOTCO, and enthusiasm for further revitalization initiatives a
Partners
National Museums of Kenya, Mombasa Old town Conservation Office, Habitants de la vieille ville de Mombasa Programme AFRICA 2009, Division du patrimoine de l’UNESCO, Ambassade de France au Kenya.
