Kenya’s ancient Gedi city holds secrets of lost civilisations and efforts to save it from decay

The ancient coastal city of Gedi, Kenya—a pre-colonial 11th-century trading hub built by Persian and later Arab settlers—boasted palaces, mosques, and advanced infrastructure before its mysterious 17th-century abandonment. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ruins face threats from climate change and neglect, mirroring risks to Africa’s few protected sites. UNESCO’s Nairobi conference highlighted armed conflicts (Ukraine, Mali) and disasters (Uganda’s fire) as escalating dangers. Archaeologist George Abungu stressed that heritage preservation must prioritise local values over mere UNESCO listings. Gedi’s caretakers work to safeguard its "mystical beauty," though much of its history remains lost. The site underscores Africa’s underrepresented global heritage amid growing crises.

Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi reports from the Gedi monument in Kenya's Kilifi County.

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