Twaha Omar passes as an ordinary man.
But for many on Pate Island, Omar is a walking dictionary of Swahili culture, starting his career as a tour guide after leaving school decades ago.
And he says he won't rest until the Pate ruins are restored and become a tourist attraction.
Omar is now part of the local community in Pate who want to regenerate the precious ruins, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, as an ecotourism hub.
Tour guides say the ruins have the potential to be a new source of income, especially for local communities.
Omar, who is an active member of the Peyto Resources and Tourism Initiative, said the area is currently occupied by banana plantations.
The largest of the archipelago, Pate Island is a unique blend of African, Arabian and Persian influences and is known for its rich archaeological sites.
Historical ruins of the former stately palaces of the sultans from the 15th and 16th centuries remain, as well as several mosques, stone walls, and houses made of limestone, coral, and mangroves.
He said the community had written to the National Museums of Kenya to take over its responsibilities.
“Once the National Museums of Kenya gives us the mandate, we will restore the site,” Omar said.
Omar said the source of income from the ruins will help supplement the income the community currently receives from other activities.
Other efforts by local residents include making soil bags using local materials, fattening mud crabs, and beekeeping.
The community also actively participates in mangrove restoration efforts.
Lamu has the most mangrove forests with 92,293 acres, followed by Kilifi with 21,092 acres, Kwale with 20,643 acres, Mombasa with 9,318 acres and Tana River with 8 acres.
Approximately 60 percent of Kenya's mangrove forests are found in Lamu County, where eight of the country's nine species are found.
