Original article appears in the East African.
Photos: Kenya Tourism Board
The Mama Ngina Waterfront Park is a 26-acre waterfront space recently redeveloped into a modern public recreational area with several added amenities. It has become the first public landscaped waterfront. The space was initially a watching bay area that rose from a small cliff facing the Likoni channel and was a place for leisure resting, walking, jogging and riding.
The waterfront now features a palm tree-lined walkway from the Likoni Ferry Crossing in the south to the Mombasa Golf Club in the north. These two points act as both entry and exit points into the park and are marked by huge monumental gates.
As part of the renovations done at this park, the waterfront now features a natural amphitheatre, a cultural centre, and a sun-drenched 2.1km long promenade and a space for food vendors.
Before the redevelopment, the waterfront did not have any barriers thus making the cliffs exposed. With the new rail guards along the walk- way the waterfront is now family friendly and families can now enjoy watching the ships sail through the channel into the port while enjoying the cool breeze at the Waterfront.
The amphitheatre is impressive with its design, right out of ancient Rome, cut into the northern cliff side. It has a seating capacity of 3,000 people. Concerts, performances and cultural events can now be held there comfortably.
The Kilindini Cultural Centre will be a key facility in telling the story of the Swahili Culture. It has exhibition halls and screening rooms from where visitors can watch and listen to audios to learn more about the history of the city of Mombasa.
The centre features Swahili architecture and design, yet has a modern touch. The decorative white plaster finishing, Swahili wooden carved doors and window shutters are a reflection of what is found and preserved at the Old Town, with its intricate and fine carving details.
Mombasa’s rich in history that dates back to centuries ago. It is believed that the city was a battle ground between the Arabs and the Portuguese with the Portuguese gaining control of the island in the 1500s. This is evident with the construction of the iconic Fort Jesus.
According to information at the National Museums of Kenya, most of the fighting for the control of the island (Mvita) is believed to have taken place on the current site of the waterfront, then occupied by the Wakilindini.
The preserved 400-year old baobab trees seen on the Likoni Crossing side of the park are believed to be grave markers for many of the Wakilindini who were killed in these wars. The community was permanently displaced from their seafront settlements.
During the redevelopment of the park, archaeologists found ruins of the early settlements, which will be preserved and displayed at the Kilindini Cultural Centre.
At the northern end near the Mombasa Golf Club and facing the cultural centre are the pigeon towers.
The towers too are typical Swahili architecture of a wall with decorative air vents to allow the wind to blow through. They look like minarets.
They are a monument to the original settlers of Mombasa—who grew out of the kingdoms of Mwana Mkisi and Shehe Mvita (these were the Watangana, Wakilindini, Wamvita, Wachangamwe and Wajomvu communities).
Major additions to the project will be done in the near future. Included in the redesign are a jetty for water taxis, and three restaurants to supplement the food vendors.
Being open 24-hours a day, the park is well lit with strategically placed security lighting, a police post and public toilets.
From the towering mnaras to the Kilindini Cultural Centre and more, the beauty and splendor of the #MamaNginaWaterfront delivers a holistic experience with plenty of activities to enjoy with friends and family #TembeaKenya #MagicalKenya #ComeLiveTheMagic #MombasaRaha pic.twitter.com/6BMMSrvp6N
— Kenya Tourism Board (@magicalkenya) October 21, 2019
Original article appears in the East African.
