Kenyan engineers have raised concerns over illegal construction and land privatization in part of the Lamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to a statement dated October 16, by the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), the association raised concerns over ongoing land demarcation, fencing, and construction activities within the Shela Sand Dunes.
In their statement, Shela Sand Dunes is a gazetted national monument and vital water catchment, supplying freshwater to more than 50,000 residents of Lamu and Manda Islands.
The encroachment is said to threaten the ecological balance, cultural heritage, and livelihoods of local communities.
“The Shela Dunes are integral to Lamu’s ecological and cultural identity. Any encroachment threatens livelihoods and water security for thousands of residents,” said AAK in a statement.
Authorities are being urged to revoke irregular title deeds, halt construction, and ensure the protection of the dunes’ ecological and cultural significance.
Heritage and Environmental Importance in Lamu
Shela Dunes cover approximately 70 hectares within the buffer zone of Lamu Old Town, which has been inhabited for more than 700 years.
The association said the dunes provide freshwater, act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion, and support biodiversity essential for the local ecosystem.
“These dunes support biodiversity, eco-tourism, and traditional cultural practices that have thrived for over 700 years,” the association noted.
Additionally, the dunes are central to eco-tourism in Lamu, attracting visitors to the area’s beaches and historic landscapes.
Their protection is vital for sustaining both the environment and the local economy.
Irregular Land Allocation and Encroachment
Despite their protected status, more than 117 title deeds were irregularly issued after the dunes in Lamu were gazetted in 2010.
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The allocations have led to fencing, construction, and restricted public access to areas meant for communal use.
“The privatization and fencing of the Shela Dunes restrict public access, disrupt traditional land use, and threaten livelihoods dependent on ecosystem services provided by the dunes,” AAK stated.
The association said the activities violate Kenya’s environmental and heritage laws, including constitutional provisions guaranteeing access to clean water, protection of natural resources, and preservation of public land.
Call for Government Intervention
AAK is urging authorities to take immediate action to halt illegal construction, revoke unauthorised title deeds, and safeguard the dunes for future generations.
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UNESCO has warned that unchecked development could place the Lamu World Heritage Site at risk.
“Immediate action is needed to prevent irreversible damage to this critical heritage and ecological resource,” the association concluded.
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