Assessing the Effectiveness of Conservation Policy in Building Resilience of the Built Heritage of Old Town, Mombasa, Kenya

Abstract

The efficacy of conservation policy in mitigating impacts of urban development on built heritage is an increasing concern, especially the overreliance on conservation plans as indicators for adequacy. This study examines the effectiveness of conservation policy interventions in mitigation of adverse transformation in Old Town, Mombasa. It applies spatial and descriptive techniques to analyze transformation across three clusters namely Mji wa Kale, Kibokoni, and Makadara in order to ascertain whether there is reduced, by type and degree, transformation in the conservation area that could be attributed to the gazetted status. The study premises that qualifying the adequacy of heritage management based on existence of conservation policy only, without scrutinizing actual impact, is inappropriate. The paper recommends need to embrace flexibility that can respond to diverse needs of business, residence, and investment hence provide multiple opportunities and optimization of spaces based on multi-use buildings, active frontages, and fine amenities. Further, there is need to maintain compactness of urban form for viability of associated culture-rich activities, connectivity of public space and social life, attainment of connected mixed use with good proximity, but also for attainment of energy-efficiency and climate resilience. Finally, there is need to create complementary multi-agency urban conservation financing strategy that is popular, attractive, flexible, conditional and coordinated.