Historic Lamu Village to Build First Seawall After 800 Years.
A Kenyan coastal village will receive its first seawall since its founding eight centuries ago. The Sh25 million project aims to protect over 3,000 residents of Mbwajumwali from frequent flooding.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy launched construction of the 300-metre barrier, which the county government funded. The wall will shield homes from Indian Ocean waters that currently flood the village during high tides.
The flooding affects more than 100 houses near the shore twice monthly. These floods create health hazards when they cause pit latrines to overflow, spreading raw sewage through the village.
"We have heard the long-standing cries of the residents here in Mbwajumwali," said Governor Timamy. He added that modern construction methods will ensure complete protection from ocean waters. The project should be finished by June.
Resident Mohamed Bakari welcomed the project. His family had to abandon their original home due to repeated flooding. "The lack of a seawall is a problem. When the sea rises almost twice a month, our houses here in Mbwajumwali are washed away by the water," he said.
The new structure will serve multiple purposes, according to Alex Katana Jimbi, Chief Officer for Infrastructure. Beyond flood protection, it will provide safe boat anchoring for local fishermen.
Seawalls already exist in other Lamu archipelago villages, including Pate, Faza, Kizingitini, Mkokoni, and Ndau. These barriers have proven essential for communities surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
The county government expects the seawall to end centuries of flooding problems for Mbwajumwali residents. This protection will help preserve homes and improve public health conditions in the historic village.
A Kenyan coastal village will receive its first seawall since its founding eight centuries ago. The Sh25 million project aims to protect over 3,000 residents of Mbwajumwali from frequent flooding.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy launched construction of the 300-metre barrier, which the county government funded. The wall will shield homes from Indian Ocean waters that currently flood the village during high tides.
The flooding affects more than 100 houses near the shore twice monthly. These floods create health hazards when they cause pit latrines to overflow, spreading raw sewage through the village.
"We have heard the long-standing cries of the residents here in Mbwajumwali," said Governor Timamy. He added that modern construction methods will ensure complete protection from ocean waters. The project should be finished by June.
Resident Mohamed Bakari welcomed the project. His family had to abandon their original home due to repeated flooding. "The lack of a seawall is a problem. When the sea rises almost twice a month, our houses here in Mbwajumwali are washed away by the water," he said.
The new structure will serve multiple purposes, according to Alex Katana Jimbi, Chief Officer for Infrastructure. Beyond flood protection, it will provide safe boat anchoring for local fishermen.
Seawalls already exist in other Lamu archipelago villages, including Pate, Faza, Kizingitini, Mkokoni, and Ndau. These barriers have proven essential for communities surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
The county government expects the seawall to end centuries of flooding problems for Mbwajumwali residents. This protection will help preserve homes and improve public health conditions in the historic village.
