Reviving a Legacy: Progress Update on the Lamu Madrasah, Imambargah and Mosque Complex

Lamu holds a deeply cherished place in the history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa. Long before major urban centres emerged along the coast, Lamu stood as a hub of faith, trade and communal life. The Madrasah, Imambargah and Mosque complex remains a silent yet powerful reminder of the devotion and vision of our early pioneers of Lamu, who arrived during the period 1880-1890 whose legacies continues to inspire efforts toward preservation and renewal.

Building upon the inspirational and dedication legacies, the Africa Federation has embarked on a major reconstruction and restoration initiative aimed at reviving this important heritage site and restoring it to its rightful place as a symbol of faith, identity and continuity.

The initiatives began in 2023; with the formation of the Lamu Restoration Committee whose initial mission was to plan for the renovations etc. and raise funds to support the AFED’s contribution towards the restoration project. Alhamdullilah, the community responded with their generous contributions as always.

Current Status of this Milestone Project:

Following the assessment by the AFED Housing Development Board, the Engineers and Architects, the scope of works changed, as the Imambargah/Madressah building was not strong enough to hold the vertical extension etc. hence the whole building has to be brought down to ground zero. The contractor moved to the site and the demolition work started in February 2025 and completed in June 2025, this had to be carried out carefully as the Lamu KSIJ Mosque is under the Lamu Museums and World Heritage Site, not to cause any damage to it. Hence, the process for the permits and permission takes longer than usual due to the Heritage Site.

During the AFED Conference in Mombasa in June 2025, with the ardent support of Murrabbi Dr. Mohamed Hussein Jaffer, the three institutions agreed to contribute equal amounts towards the Lamu Multi-Storey building which will have the Madressah, Multipurpose Hall, Conference Room, Teachers Room etc. The three institutions are: Africa Federation, Lady Fatimah Trust of UK and Jaffer Foundation of Mombasa.

The contractor was appointed in November 2025, initiating the reconstruction of the Multi-Storey building, and since then several key milestones have been achieved, including soil testing, foundation layout marking, and successful backfilling of the ground floor. Alhamdulillah, casting of the ground floor is currently in progress, with the team remaining on track, to complete the ground floor roof slab by the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. In parallel, the contractor has conducted a site visit to Lamu Island to assess logistical and operational requirements and will be sharing a comprehensive works schedule in due course.

Regulatory and Heritage Compliances:

The Lamu project has successfully acquired the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) approval, which is a mandatory legal requirement before the start of any construction or operation in Kenya, and it ensures compliance, protects against fines, other permits etc. Given Lamu’s designation as a heritage town, this process required close coordination with the museum and heritage authorities, public participation, and engagement with the Lamu Town Council. Securing these approvals reflects both due diligence and respect for the historical and cultural sensitivities of the site.

Mosque Upgrading and Restoration:

In parallel with the development of the Multi-Storey building for the Madrasah, Imambargah and other amenities, it has been recognized that the Masjid Imam Ali (as) will also require upgrading. This enhancement will be undertaken on an actual cost basis, with the intention of restoring the mosque to its original dignity and functionality, in harmony with the surrounding heritage structures.

Construction of Residential Apartments for the Caretaker and Muallim:

Negotiation is still going on with the plot owners to acquire the adjacent plots to construct the two apartments, which is essential to maintain good control and management of the Mosque, Imambargah and the Madressah. We appreciate the support of Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Hussein bhai Jaffer for his full support on this matter.

Madressah and Tabligh Activities:

Lamu population is made up of Muslim majority, and we are thankful to our forefathers who made great efforts in promoting the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘A) in the Lamu Archipelago which is surrounded by larger and smaller islands. Lamu Island being the main town has several Mosques and Madressahs of our Sunni brothers and two Mosques and Madressah of Shia Ithna-Asheri. Bilal Muslim Mission - Lamu are actively involved in supporting the community, and carry out regular programs, especially in the month of Muharram and Safar in commemoration of the tragic event of Karbala in 61 A.H. The Holy Month of Ramadhan on the other hand is the busiest month. The Bilal Muslim Mission of Lamu organizes daily Namaz, Duas, Lectures, Iftar and Qur’an Darsa.

Why This Project Matters:

Restoration projects such as the Lamu complex go beyond bricks and mortar. They are about preserving identity, honouring the sacrifices of our forefathers, and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their spiritual and communal roots. These structures once served as centres of learning, worship and unity; and reviving them is an investment in our collective memory and responsibility.

Call for Continued Support:

The Africa Federation extends its deepest gratitude to all donors and well-wishers from within and outside Africa whose unwavering support has brought the project to this stage. Your contributions have played a vital role in breathing life back into one of the pioneering heritage sites of our community.

We also sincerely appreciate the financial support extended by Dr. Mohamed Hussein Jaffer of the Jaffer Foundation of Mombasa, Alhaj Mukhtar Karim of Lady Fatima Trust (LFT - UK) and the Africa Federation, which has significantly contributed to the advancement of this restoration initiative.

We also extend our gratitude to Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Alhaj Akil Hirji, Alhaj Amirali Merali, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani with the support of the Lamu Restoration team for their selfless efforts and continued services towards the project.

As the project progresses, continued support will be essential to see this vision through to completion. We humbly invite the community to remain engaged and supportive, ensuring that this sacred legacy is preserved with excellence and care for generations to come.

May Allah (SWT) grant barakah in this effort and reward all those contributing to the revival of Lamu’s rich spiritual heritage.

Secretariat