Lamu Old Town residents decry rise in insecurity due to lack of streetlights

Residents of Lamu Old Town are pushing for the installation of street lights along the narrow streets and pathways of the historical city.

The town is characterised by narrow streets and magnificent stone buildings with impressive curved doors, influenced by a unique fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European building styles.

Residents claimed most of the streets of the old town are always left dark and desolate, a situation that criminals have always taken advantage of, especially during night times.

The move has posed a risk to locals walking at night and even business people operating late at night.

Ali Abdalla, a resident, said once streetlights are installed along the narrow streets and pathways, petty crimes like phone theft, mugging, and business premises break-ins as witnessed occasionally will be curbed.

Some of the streets and pathways of the Lamu Old Town without streetlights installed. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“We want the county government to consider fixing and extending streetlights to the narrow pathways in the interior of most parts of our old town. Many streets are left in darkness and it’s risky for us to either walk or operate our businesses at night. I believe streetlights installation in these isolated streets will curb insecurity,” said Abdalla.

Amina Ahmed, a businessperson in Mkomani, complained of having been forced to close business early almost on a daily basis for fear of criminals raiding her premises which is located in a narrow and dark street.

Ahmed said adequate streetlight installation will generally boost the security status of Lamu Old Town and make it a 24-hour economy.

Narrow pathway in Lamu Old Town (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“You can imagine closing your shop as early as 6.30 pm due to the fear of darkness. We need the streetlights installed in these areas to enable us to work 24 hours,” said Ahmed.

Apart from Mkomani, other areas affected by the lack of streetlights and lamps are Bajuri, sections of Gadeni, Langoni, Jua Kali, Riyadha, and Bosnia.

Locals insist the lack of streetlights has also hindered their freedom of movement as they are always forced to stay indoors once darkness approaches.

“We can’t even sit outside and converse freely, especially in our verandas due to fear that someone might waylay and steal from you. Something needs to be done,” said Salim Baishe of the Bosnia area.

Lamu street (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Currently, Lamu Old Town has very few well lit pathways considered the major ones.

They are the Harambee Street, which is the main route that cuts through the middle of the town from Jua Kali and Bosnia areas to Langoni, Mkunguni, Mkomani and Wiyoni areas.

The other one is the street moving from the seafront area and heading to the Lamu Old Town Kenya Police Canteen up to the Kashmir area. Other part which is fixed with enough street lights and lamps is the seafront area which acts as the face of the Lamu Old Town.

Locals believe if all streets are fixed with lights and lamps, security will be boosted and at the same time tourists will be attracted to visit the Unesco World Heritage site.

Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa and is a key tourist attraction in the archipelago.

The town has continuously been inhabited for over 700 years and was listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2001 owing to its unique culture and heritage spanning centuries.