Portuguese settlements, 1593
During the 16th century, the Portuguese had established themselves along the East African coast, captured Mombasa in 1593 and started building Fort Jesus the same year. The Portuguese flew a white flag charged with the arms: a white shield with five blue escutcheons, each charged with an undetermined number of bezants, surrounded by a red border with five yellow castles. A crown topped it; its design changed over the years.