At least 400 heritage sites across the country are at risk of extinction due to poor maintenance caused by inadequate funding, the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has been told.
Appearing before the committee, Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Umma Bashir, said a lack of funds has hindered the regular upkeep of the historical sites, leading to their rapid deterioration. She warned that unless urgent measures are taken, Kenya could lose significant parts of its cultural and historical heritage.
“Kenya is blessed with unique historical sites, but they are wearing out due to neglect. We request the Committee to push for funding to rehabilitate these sites before they are lost forever,” Bashir pleaded.
She noted that the poor state of the sites has discouraged both local and international tourists, resulting in declining revenue for the department.
“The few tourists who visit have expressed their disappointment with the condition of the sites,” she added.
Bashir was presenting the department’s 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) to the committee, which is chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama. Also present was Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
According to the PS, the department has been allocated Sh3.54 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, far below its requirement of Sh5.98 billion. Out of the allocated amount, Sh3.45 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while only Sh90 million has been set aside for development.
Acknowledging the need to restore and preserve Kenya’s historical landmarks, the committee urged the department to seek financial support from global donors.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi advised the ministry to explore partnerships with international heritage conservation organizations to supplement government funding.
“There are global partners interested in preserving cultural heritage. You should engage them to help fund the restoration of these sites,” Omondi said.
The issue of honoring national heroes also came up during the session. Busia MP Catherine Omanyo questioned why icons such as the late broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela had not been recognized appropriately.
Bashir explained that financial constraints had delayed such initiatives.
“We have requested Sh50 million to establish a Heroes Fund to honor outstanding Kenyans who have brought pride to the nation. We urge the committee to support this request,” she stated.
Among other projects that require funding include the construction of the Wundanyi Resource Centre, establishment of a music studio to support artists, upgrading of the Kapenguria Six Museum, and the construction of the Marachi Cultural Centre.
The PS also revealed that the finalization of the Kiswahili Bill and the establishment of the National Kiswahili Council have been delayed due to a lack of funds.
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