By Ngumbao Kithi
While visiting Mombasa, you will most likely hear names of places such as Docks, Likoni ferry, Fort Jesus, Mwembe Tayari and Treasury Square, among others. A few visitors will probably realise some of these are named after structures.
In an effort to discover what some of these names mean, I found out that Treasury Square could be one of the most significant reminders of the Coastal city’s history. In the Arab and British colonial days, Treasury Square in Mombasa was the headquarters of the island’s management.
Unlike other areas, Treasury Square is served by unique transport means. Those wishing to learn the history of Kenya cannot afford to miss a visit here. Several fine colonial style buildings, all dating back to the early 1900s, surround the square.
Allidina Visram statue
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Despite the thirst for land and property grabbing, Treasury Square has managed to remain untouched over the years.
The buildings are protected by the National Museums of Kenya and also house the Mombasa Municipal Council on one side and Kenya Commercial Bank on the other. A closer scrutiny of the Square will reveal a bronze statue of Allidina Visram who was born in 1851 in India.
Visram arrived in Mombasa the age of 12 and later became a very rich merchant and planter. He also promoted education at the Coast and became a significant public figure until his death in 1916.
Allidina Visram High School, which he founded, still stands today as one of the best performing schools in Coast Province. It has more than once scooped the top position at the Coast in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education National examinations.
Between 1823 and 1893, there was a statute of Sir William Mckinnon of the British East African, next to Visram’s but it was removed at independence. Due to the high standards of cleanliness and security around this area, not even hawkers fight to occupy it.
Despite its rich history, however, few residents and visitors give any regard to this historical Square.
