The magnificent Fort Jesus in Mombasa County constructed by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 continues to generate revenue in Kenya.
In a bid to keep the historic landmark 'alive,' the government through the National Museum of Kenya (NMK) oversaw several facelifts.
NMK in 2018 constructed a sea wall to prevent the iconic building from being submerged by the Indian Ocean.
This was a result of the continued effects of climate change that led to the rise in water levels, especially near oceans and seas.
According to the former NMK director Mzalendo Kibunjia, climate change was affecting other popular attraction sites in the coastal region including Vasco da Gama pillar and Jumba la Mwatana.
"As NMK we are determined to take care of historical sites and ensure their prosperity," he assured.
The construction of the sea wall on the eastern side facing the Indian Ocean cost approximately Ksh500 million.
Following the erecting of the sea wall, retired President Uhuru Kenyattta initiated the construction of a public recreation park with jogging tracks, walkways, indigenous palm trees, benches, playground etc.
Notably, Fort Jesus was declared a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organistion (UNESCO) as it highlights the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of the 16th-century Portuguese military fortifications.
The Portuguese built Fort Jesus to protect the port of Mombasa. Inside, tourists are taken through some of the Portuguese military weapons and landmarks.
Additionally, the government constructed a Ksh60 million sea wall to protect the oldest remaining Portuguese architectural treasure in tropical Africa, Vasco da Gama constructed in 1498.
However, scientists have warned about the looming tragedy due to the increasing temperatures in the world that result in the rise of water levels.
This will in the long term see numerous acres of land being submerged by water rendering many homeless.
