Mijikenda Kaya Forests

The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests comprise the remains of numerous fortified villages (kayas) considered sacred by the Mijikenda people.
The kayas consist of a circular stockade in the forest, with houses and a meeting place for the elders inside. The villages were created in the 16th century but abandoned by the 1940s, and are now regarded as the abodes of ancestors. They are revered as sacred sites and, as such, are maintained by councils of elders. Access is restricted, which has had a positive impact on the forests' biodiversity.
Community Perspective: these consist of 9 kayas across 7 components, spread along the coast. Local tour operators from Mombasa can take you to a nearby kaya. Be aware that the popular Kaya Kinondo near Diani Beach is NOT part of the inscribed locations.

Map of Mijikenda Kaya Forests
Community Reviews
Rita Maria Johnson
The Mijikenda Kayas are a beautiful environmental and cultural sanctuary. The sacredness of the sites is incredible and visitors are not allowed to venture into certain areas but the birds and the trees make you see nature at its best. The serenity and religious awe of the sites is thrilling and I was very privileged to partake of it. There are no entry fees but a guide has to come from the nearby villages. Once in Mombasa Kenya, one can find their way to the sites which are scattered in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa through a local tour operator. I recommend visiting the Fort Jesus museum for more information. You will definetly appreciate the calmness of the Kayas after the hustle and bustle of typical tourist zones.
Community Rating
Site Info
- Full Name
- Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
- Unesco ID
- 1231
- Country
- Kenya
- Inscribed
- 2008
- Type
- Cultural
- Criteria
-
3 5 6
- Categories
- Cultural Landscape - Associative
- Link
- By ID
Site History
2008 Advisory Body overruled
ICOMOS advised referral, noting number of improvements to be made
2008 Inscribed
2007 Referred
2007 Advisory Body overruled
ICOMOS advised Deferral, questioned the 36 proposed locations and management / protection
Site Links
Unesco Website
Official Website
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Visitors
24 Community Members have visited.
The Plaque
No plaque has been identified yet for this site.