The historical importance of the Lamu area is exceptional, with multiple ruins from past island kingdoms each steeped in intriguing history. Many of the ruins within the Lamu archipelago date back to the 11th century with one at Shanga on Pate Island dating back to the 8th century.

Presently only a handful of Lamu’s heritage sites are maintained, promoted and viewed. There are up to 20 additional sites that have been forgotten and neglected. It is the LCT’s goal to uncover and showpiece these physical sites that take us back hundreds of years.

Sites include: Faza, Shanga, Pate, Siyu, Atu, Dondo (birthplace of Swahili), Matondoni, Manda, Takwa, Shela, Lamu, Mea, Kimbo, Uziwa, Mukunumbi, Witu, Mwana,Ugwana, Shaka, Tosi, Jongeni, Ishakani, Kiunga, Stesheni, Rubu, Mambore, Agin.

The Lamu Conservation Trust will work closely with the National Museums of Kenya to unveil these hidden ruins, which will be made accessible to visitors whilst a beautiful photographic record will be developed for those who cannot visit all of the sites in person.

The LCT will form a close partnership with the National Museums of Kenya and assist in the protection of this heritage with leaders of the NMK playing a key role on the Trust’s technical support team