Towards Sustainable Utilization: Threats on Selected Immovable Archaeological Heritage along the Coast of Kenya and the Intervention Strategies for Mitigation

Abstract

The archaeological heritage is an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. In the recent past, global dynamics have witnessed a rapid pace of modernization, especially in the global south. Many physical development projects continue to be witnessed in different parts of the country, some of which negatively impact the finite archaeological heritage causing irredeemable loss. Along with traditional causes of decay, such projects continue to threaten cultural resources, especially the immovable archaeological heritages along the coast. This calls for effective management practices where heritage conservation and preservation are key components. Management here implies compliance with set standards as stipulated in international conventions to which Kenya is a state party. Through oral interviews, field observation, site-assessment and document analysis, this article highlights some actual threats to immovable heritage along the coast of Kenya and explores practical approaches towards mitigation. Threats to the archaeological heritage are many, some natural and others human-induced and whereas many of these cannot be stopped from causing heritage deterioration, they can be mitigated and slowed down. It concludes that reducing threats means preserving the authenticity of the immovable archaeological heritage and, in the process preserving heritage values while at the same time sustainably utilizing the heritage.