TUM buildings are part of the precious Kenya national heritage traced back to the 1940s when the Sultan of Zanzibar, Sir Philip Mitchell, Aga Khan III, , and Secretary of State for the colonies, Sir Bernard Reilly started the Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education (MIOME). All of its structures have a religious motif pattern as a décor finish.
Its religious architectural design signifies past events that took place in the historical scenic town of Mombasa. Preservation of such buildings, monuments, museum artifacts and archives are a responsibility of every Kenyan as they enhance our pride by promoting a sense of national identity, understanding of the ancient cultures and past events as well as bringing people of different religions, castes, races, cultures, and ethnicity together under one shared history.
Tum has endeavored in conserving these historical buildings through repairing and utilizing them as meeting halls, lecture halls and even offices.
As a matter of national importance, the commissioning of the newly refurbished assembly hall was graced by the Permanent secretary, State Department for University Education and Research- Amb. Simon Nabukwesi. The University Council chairman- Dr. Robert Arunga, Vice Chancellor, TUM staff and students.
The PS, Amb. Nabukwesi thanked the management and the council for renovating the building which would have been condemned. He supposed the heritage of the building which had seen many decades and still will be useful to hosting so many events.
The PS acknowledged that due to humidity and salt water, its more expensive to maintain and repair buildings at the Kenyan coastline compared to other areas in Kenya. Hence pledged to push for additional maintenance funds for TUM at the ministry level.
In his final remarks, the Council Chairman Dr. Robert Arunga thanked the staff who participated in the exercise of giving a new life to the main hall. He commended their good efforts in levitating the image of TUM. He reiterated the councils support in all the development projects of the University. “I believe from the repairing exercise, you have at least learnt three things; the actualization of the project, the learning and training and the research that as the university should do to find long lasting solutions on the effects of weather on our buildings.” He posed.
Dr Arunga challenged the University to play its role, by looking for solutions for the societal problems in doing research and coming up with a long-lasting paint solution, that can withstand the weather within the coastal region.
The VC, Prof. Laila Abubakar highlighted the management had resolved to identify the deteriorating buildings and renovate them back to good condition. “As the university management and with the support of our council and the ministry, we have decided that instead of waiting to build a new building, we shall renovate affected buildings and make them look new and beautiful as you have witnessed today, this will enhance the heritage and conservation of TUM, that we take pride in’’.
She further stated that ‘’This is a big milestone, that we have used our internal experts from TUM led by Arch Onesmus Mwatu who have worked tirelessly from the beginning to the completion of this project.’’
The VC, thanked TUM staff, the DVC (AFP) and more especially the project implementation team, the project coordinator Mr. Mahir other members including Mr. Ongera, Mr. Musyoka and the Contractor for the good work.
