Project context

About the project

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for the Preservation and Promotion of Coastal Cultural Heritage in Kenya (LAIPCH-K).

Project background

Preserving Lamu and Tana River memory

The Coastal Communities Cultural Heritage Platform is a research-driven project led by the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and local coastal communities.

Funded by the National Research Fund (NRF), the initiative brings computer science and the humanities together. We use 3D photogrammetry, natural language processing, transcription and modern design to capture coastal heritage before indigenous dialects and oral memories fade away.

Researchers, students and community elders collaborate on the platform. Every digitised record is approved by museum curators to ensure historical accuracy, authentic dialect spelling and respect for heritage values.

Technical University of Mombasa
Lead academic institution
National Museums of Kenya
Curation & heritage partner
National Research Fund
Funding organisation
AFS Intercultural Programs Kenya
Intercultural education partner

What we are working on

Key research objectives

AI-driven archiving

Apply natural language processing to Kipokomo and Kibajuni to preserve grammatical structures, proverbs and ecological and marine vocabulary.

3D digital curation

Create detailed photorealistic 3D reconstructions of hand-carved Bajuni canoes, Pokomo baskets and old household objects.

Intergenerational transfer

Give primary and secondary schools CBC-aligned resources, quizzes and games that keep heritage engaging for young people.