A Sh6.5 million grant from Azerbaijan has funded the renovation, improving access to historical resources for researchers studying Swahili history and culture.

Researchers and scholars seeking to explore Swahili history and culture are set to benefit from improved access to historical resources following the reopening of a renovated library at Fort Jesus in Mombasa.

The refurbished facility, restored with US$50,000 (Sh6.5 million) from the Government of Azerbaijan through the Azerbaijan International Development Agency, is expected to provide a better research environment and strengthen efforts to preserve Kenya’s cultural heritage, according to the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).

NMK Director-General Mary Gikungu said the renovation was part of a partnership launched in December 2025 to support the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.