The government has moved to protect the historic Manyimbo World War Cemetery in Mombasa, declaring it a national monument in efforts to preserve Kenya's military and cultural heritage.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a gazette notice on Friday June 19, the Gender, Culture and Children Services cabinet secretary, Hanna Cheptumo, announced plans to designate the cemetery as a protected national monument due to its historical significance.

According to Cheptumo, the notice is issued under the National Museums and Heritage Act and seeks to preserve the site for its historical significance and to ensure it remains accessible to future generations.

"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by 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," the notice read in part.

📌 What You Need to Know

The declaration means the site will receive legal protection under Kenya's heritage laws , safeguarding it from destruction, encroachment or unauthorised alterations.

According to the gazette notice, any person wishing to object to the declaration has 60 days from the date of publication to submit their objections to the Cabinet Secretary.

"Any objection to the declaration shall be lodged with the Cabinet Secretary within sixty (60) days from the date of publication of this notice," the notice added.

The cemetery, which occupies approximately 0.1489 hectares, is located in Tudor Four Sub-location, Tudor Location, Mvita Sub-county in Mombasa County.

The cemetery contains 225 Commonwealth burials and 14 unidentified graves from the Second World War.

It is believed to be linked to Kenya's wartime history. It serves as a reminder of the role played by Africans and local communities during global conflicts.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke