This article outlines a list of the most interesting facts about Mombasa city. Mombasa is a port city in southeastern Kenya on the Indian Ocean.
In Kenya, the town is known as the “white and blue city.” According to the 2019 census, it is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, with approximately 1,208,333 inhabitants.
There is so much to learn about this coastal Kenyan city, including the origins of its rich, culturally diverse life, the stories behind its myriad monuments and historical sites, and, of course, why those iconic tusks are resting right in the middle of the road.
Interesting facts about Mombasa City
1. It was Once the Country’s Capital
Despite the fact that Nairobi is now the country’s capital, Mombasa was once the most powerful city in the country. From 1887 to 1906, Mombasa was the capital of Kenya’s Protectorate. It was later relocated to Nairobi and has remained there ever since.
2. The Mombasa Kilindini Harbour is one of the Naturally deepest harbours worldwide
It has a long history of being noted for having a naturally deep harbor. All international cruise ships and cargo ship arrivals have a suitable landing spot here. It is a wonderful destination to visit and experience the harbour’s immense economic richness and importance, not only to Kenya but also to other East and Central African countries who rely on it for their imports and exports.
3. Fort Jesus was a Key player in 9 battles of aspiring Kenya Imperialists.
Any fort built in the 16th century has undoubtedly seen its fair share of battles. Fort Jesus played an important role in nine different battles between nations vying for control of Kenya’s coast, including Portugal, England, and Oman. (During those years of upheaval, Mombasa earned the moniker “island of war.”) The fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011 and now serves as a museum.
Read Top 20 Interesting Facts About Nairobi City.
4. Princess Margaret of England commissioned the famous tusks.
The symbolic elephant tusks at the entrance of Mombasa town perhaps should top the list of the most interesting facts about Mombasa, though anonymous. Mombasa is well-known for its massive aluminum elephant tusks that span busy Moi Avenue.
These tusks, however, were not just for show. They were built to commemorate Princess Margaret’s visit to Kenya in 1956 when Kenya was still a part of the British Empire.
5. The City was a center for the slave trade
The city was one of the most important slave-trading ports for much of its history. This flourished for a lot longer before gradually dying out in the mid-nineteenth century.
Shackles are still visible throughout the city as a reminder of the trade. There’s also a bell that still works, which was used to alert locals to passing slave ships.
6. The City’s founding date is not known
Kenyan schoolbooks indicate that as early as the 10th century, Old Town Mombasa had settlers. Arab scholars mentioned the city several times in texts dating from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Mombasa is unquestionably one of the oldest cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, irrespective of when it was founded.
Particularly, the Mombasa old Town is a historically significant feature. The town, which has Arabic architecture, is undoubtedly a sight to behold for anyone who has not yet visited. Not to mention the Portuguese architecture in the area. Its narrow lanes, which are famed for their fragrant air, are a key draw for visitors to the island.
7. It has a strong historical background
Mombasa, Kenya is a historically significant location in Kenya’s historical theory. It’s well-known for its turbulent historical past. In the past, the coastal town was the site of many inter-dynasty battles.
It was home to the most robust of ocean trades in its early days, and it was mostly reviewed for its enormous economic importance. Providing products from the outside world to the town’s early residents and governing families.
For instance, the Jumba la Mtwana, which is one of the historic sites in Mombasa, is well-known for its historically guarded connections. To begin with, the views from the ruins of an old historical building are breathtaking.
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