Impact of Changing Built Forms from Colonial to Post-colonial on Landscape Identity:

A Case of Kisumu City’s Clock Tower

Abstract

Post-colonial period in Africa is witnessing changes to colonial era’s built forms thus impacting memories and landscape identity. Need for local modernization poses a threat to associated memories and resultant urban landscape identity. Economic and functional considerations are given more attention than importance of urban memories and identity in case of renewals. Few studies are existing in Global South’s African context on effects of renewal changes on memories and identity. Changes to colonial Clock Tower as one of Kisumu City’s sites of interest was part of renewal projects undertaken in Kisumu City, Kenya. This article first investigates how the Clock Tower contributed to Kisumu’s identity and secondly perception on satisfaction level with the changes and lastly need for its preservation or not before the renewal. Mixed-method approach was used through survey with 293 respondents, photo elicitation interviews (PEI) with twelve purposive participants and county government officials. Field investigation through mapping and photography was carried after archival review. Results revealed that majority felt that it was a landmark feature that is symbolic, contributes to Kisumu’s identity and evokes urban memories. Majority were satisfied with outcome of the changes that signaled they did not support its preservation then. Findings imply that memory and identity was affected through the changes in form, colour and materials. The study recommends by-law to protect this landmark against changes and demolition through preservation. The findings are important to local authorities and policy makers with regard to preservation of landmarks that contribute to identity.