For decades, makuti roofing has dominated the coastal housing infrastructure as developers struck a delicate balance between maintaining coastal aesthetic heritage and fire risks.
And true to the fears, most hoteliers have incurred huge losses after their makuti thatched establishments were burnt to ashes. Other developers say the cost of insuring the makuti roofed property has also gone up.
However, Dr Sam Ikwaye, executive officer of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast branch, advocates for makuti, adding that it supports the local economy, empowers local palm tree farmers and preserves the local cultural and aesthetic appeal that draws much of the international tourism to the magical Kenyan coast.
“However, there is the fire hazard dilemma,” Dr Ikwaye points out.
Dr Ikwaye adds that while makuti roofing provides natural aeration and a tropical aesthetic, it is highly flammable and has been the primary culprit in major property losses at the coast. He states that there have been calls to modernise makuti thatch.
“Following several devastating fires, including incidences in Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Diani and Mombasa, hoteliers have been urged to adopt fire-resistant makuti thatching technologies,” he said.
He adds that adverse media coverage of fire events as a result of makuti thatch has led insurance underwriters to routinely avoid covering traditional makuti-roofed properties due to the many high risks involved.
Building expert Eng David Jomeli joins in the conversation and states that makuti is traditional roofing derived from palm fronds which are nearly woven and is common along coastal Kenya.
“Makuti thatch has an efficient cooling effect and keeps interiors cooler than iron roofing. The air gaps between layers allow natural ventilation, which helps in a hot coastal climate, Eng. David Jomeli says.
Being one of the cheapest and most readily available roofing options, it is locally sourced and weaving is done by locals themselves.
“It fits with green building practices and eco retreats,” Jomeli states further.
He says that makuti thatch is common in ecotourism and nature-based developments.
Eng Jomeli says that the lifespan of makuti thatch is between 5 and 7 years, making it much shorter than clay tiles, which can last for up to 50-100 years.