Mombasa has a long history and the traces can be found from the 16th century. Many traders did attempt to enforce to govern the town due to its central location, and the Arab influence is still felt up to date.

The town of Mombasa was busy in slave and ivory trade by Arabs who continued to build trade along the ports of Mombasa and Lamu.

Vasco da Gama was believed to be the first known European to visit Mombasa, whose purpose was to spread the Christian faith. Mombasa became Portugal’s main trading centre of spices, cotton and coffee, and Fort Jesus was constructed. The Fort served as the major center for trading goods that protected the Portuguese from conflicts with locals the remains of which still attracts a great deal of tourists and visitors. As slavery was highly practiced during that era, the local slaves were exchanged for goods.

Until 1698, the Portuguese controlled the city, but soon the Omani Arabs took over the charge.

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