The Kenyan government has set aside $1 million for the construction of a sea wall to protect Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, from falling into the sea.

The iconic monument, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593, is at risk of collapsing into the Indian Ocean due to soil erosion caused by raging sea waves.

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In 2011, Fort Jesus was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, highlighted as one of the most outstanding and well preserved examples of the 16th century Portuguese military fortifications.

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The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) had warned that the historic building might be wiped off the map if a seawall was not urgently built to stop sea water from reaching the foundation of the building.

NMK Coast Assistant Director, Athman Hussein, said construction of the sea wall was expected to begin in June and be complete before the end of the year.

“For centuries, waves have been pounding the lower part of the cliff, thereby threatening the existence of the historic building.”

In Malindi, another popular monument, Vasco Da Gama Pillar, is also in danger of falling into the ocean.

The pillar, which was built by Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama in 1498, might collapse as the rock it sits on has developed huge cracks.

At least $500 000 is required for the strengthening of the foundation of the pillar to prevent it from caving into the sea. NMK Kenya is still seeking funding for the strengthening of the pillar.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Kilifi County Chairman, Philip Chai, says the pillar has been attracting tourists from the United Kingdom, the US, Germany, Italy, Portugal, The Netherlands and Switzerland.