The government has officially declared the Manyimbo World War Cemetery in Mombasa a National Monument, granting it protection under the National Museums and Heritage Act.
This declaration was made through Gazette Notice No. 8991 issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo.
According to the notice, the government considers the site historically important and has therefore designated it as a protected national heritage site.
The declaration was made under Section 25(1)(b) of the National Museums and Heritage Act.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services declares the following specified place which the Cabinet Secretary considers to be of historical interest, and a National Monument within the meaning of this Act,” read the gazette.
Where is Manyimbo World War Cemetery
Further, the notice detailed that Manyimbo World War Cemetery is located in Tudor Four Sub-location, Tudor Location, Mvita Sub-county, Mombasa County.
Also Read: Tourism Authority Issues Warning Following Reports of Tourists Held Hostage in Maasai Mara
The site covers approximately 0.1489 hectares and sits at an elevation of 21 meters above sea level.
Additionally, the gazette provided a 60-day window for any objections to the declaration.
Individuals or organizations wishing to challenge the designation must submit their objections to the Cabinet Secretary within the specified period.
“Any objection to the declaration shall be lodged with the Cabinet Secretary within sixty (60) days from the date of publication of this notice,” CS Hanna Wendot said.
Details Of the Historic WWII Burial Site in Mombasa
Manyimbo World War Cemetery in Mombasa was established during the Second World War as a burial site for Commonwealth soldiers who died in the East African campaign between 1939 and 1945.
The cemetery holds 225 Commonwealth burials, including 14 unidentified graves, reflecting the scale of military losses during the conflict in the region.
Manyimbo World War Cemetery is closely linked to Mombasa’s strategic role during World War II.
Also Read: Chesongoch Tragedy Sparks Renewed Push to Restore Degraded Forests
The city served as a key naval base and logistics hub for Allied forces operating across East Africa, particularly during campaigns linked to the conquest of Italian-controlled territories.
Its deep-water harbor made it the only major natural naval base in East Africa, giving it critical military importance.
Manyimbo World War Cemetery was placed under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), an international body responsible for commemorating Commonwealth military personnel who died in the two World Wars.
The commission maintains thousands of burial sites worldwide and ensures the preservation of the graves at Manyimbo and their dignity.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
