Mnarani Ruins: East Africa’s Coast Treasure In Kenya.

By jean-Pierre Afadhali

Mnarani ruins, a landmark in Kilifi, coastal Kenya, offer an epic experience for visitors to get a glimpse of the spread of Islam in East Africa and the contact between Arabs, African people, and the History of slave trade.

Located in Kilifi, a coastal township in Kenya, Mnarani ruins are part of Kenya’s national museums package. The ruins of two old mosques, probably the oldest in Kenya and the wider East Africa, are on a hill in the middle of a forest that hosts a variety of trees including the famous Baobab. Rocket is another tree species in the area that derives its name from its shape that looks like a rocket.

The local guide gives you the history of Arabs who came to coastal Kenya for slave trades and expanding Islam in East Africa along the Indian Ocean’s coast.

The Historic site is easily accessible from Kilifi town centre. Visitors can get there either by boda-boda- popular moto taxi, or a cab. Entrance fee is 150 ksh for locals and foreigners.

There are two mosques’ ruins at the historic landmark: The Great Mosque and the small mosque.

The ruins of great mosques built in strong, concrete made out of local materials, that still stand up now, show the ingenuity of the people who built it in 17^th century. The construction of the small mosque started in 1425.

The Great Mosque was built in the 15^th century (1401-1500) and extended during later years. It was the largest of all the mosques in Mnarani where Friday Zuhr (midday) prayers were conducted.  The other mosques remained closed.

 The main prayer hall consists of three aisles defined by coral stone columns. The roof was flat, constructed with coral stone and lime rag supported on a timber framework.

Access is through doorways from South and West verandahs. Before entering the mosque worshippers performs wudhuu (ritual ablutions) with water supplied from well via a system of ducts and citterns.

On the west a fully enclosed verandas was probably used by women worshippers as a madrassa (a place of study).

According to the guide, baobab trees show water presence in the area. That is the reason why the mosque was built in the area to access the water.

The Swahili well also located near the mosque was used to fetch water for various purposes.

The mnarani ruins also contain a cemetery and of various people and Imam.  According to the guide who mastered the history of the area, the site receives visitors on a daily basis. Guiding is free, visitors can also tip the guide.

The amazing mnarani ruins overlook the Indian ocean at what is known as Kilifi creek, where many luxurious hotels are located.