(Kilifi) – Kenyan universities are being encouraged to offer programs in underwater archaeology to address the growing need for professionals capable of exploring the country’s rich underwater cultural heritage and to drive the potential of underwater tourism.
Dr. Caesar Bita, the Head of Coastal Archaeology at the National Museums of Kenya, has highlighted the need for more specialists in the field of underwater archaeology to study Kenya’s extensive underwater cultural resources, which could contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings. His call comes in response to the shortage of trained underwater archaeologists, despite Kenya’s vast Indian Ocean coastline that holds many undiscovered sites of historical significance.
Dr. Bita’s remarks were made following his talk on “Discover the Amazing Wonder of Kenya’s Underwater Cultural Heritage – the Ngomeni Shipwreck” at the Malindi Heritage Complex, located in Kilifi County, where community members, including local youth and staff from the National Museums of Kenya, gathered to learn about the history of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and the ships he used in his expeditions. Some of these vessels sank in Kenyan waters, leaving behind valuable archaeological remains.
For the past two weeks, Dr. Bita has been leading a team of underwater archaeologists and divers in an exploration of a Portuguese shipwreck believed to have sunk near Ngomeni in 1524. The team has recovered several historical artifacts from the site, shedding light on the country’s maritime past.
“Underwater archaeology in Kenya faces a critical shortage of trained professionals. At the moment, I am the only expert in the field, and I received my training abroad. Although I’ve taught a few young people, the number of specialists remains insufficient,” Dr. Bita explained.
He stressed the importance of making underwater archaeology more accessible to Kenyan students by offering educational programs within the country. “Studying underwater archaeology abroad is expensive, and it is vital for local universities to introduce these courses to make the field more affordable for Kenyan students,” Dr. Bita added.
He also suggested that Kenyan universities, such as Kenyatta University and the University of Nairobi, which already offer programs related to history, geography, anthropology, and marine science, could incorporate underwater archaeology into their existing curricula. By doing so, students would be able to specialize in underwater archaeology while pursuing degrees in general archaeology, history, or other related disciplines.
Dr. Bita’s appeal to the Kenyan government to support these initiatives by sponsoring students in underwater archaeology is part of a broader vision to create a pool of experts capable of researching and preserving the country’s vast underwater heritage.
Susan Mtakai, the Head of Search and Rescue at the Kenya Coast Guard, echoed Dr. Bita’s message, urging Kenyan youth to explore underwater archaeology as a potential career path. She emphasized the importance of the Blue Economy, a sector focused on sustainable use of ocean resources, and encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
“The Blue Economy is the future, and I encourage young people to pursue studies in underwater history and archaeology to benefit from this growing sector,” Mtakai said, assuring the youth of support from the Kenya Coast Guard.
Doris Kamuye, Curator of the Malindi Museum, emphasized the positive impact that the discovery of the Ngomeni shipwreck would have on tourism in the region. She noted that the establishment of an underwater museum at the wreck site, alongside other heritage sites like Gedi National Monument, would further enhance the area’s attractiveness to tourists.
“The Ngomeni shipwreck is a remarkable find, and it will certainly boost tourism in Malindi. With the recent recognition of Gedi National Monument as a world heritage site, visitors will now have the opportunity to explore even more cultural landmarks, including the underwater museum,” Kamuye said.
Anne Robertson, founder of the Malindi Museum Society, highlighted the significance of the Ngomeni shipwreck in demonstrating Kenya’s historic role in global trade. “This discovery will show the world that Malindi was an important player in international trade, not a remote, isolated place,” Robertson said.