Archives

Preserving Kenya’s Institutional & National Memory

The Archives Section at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a vital institution responsible for preserving historical records, artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Kenya’s cultural, political, and scientific history. Established in 1980, the archive serves as the backbone of NMK’s historical documentation, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of materials that date as far back as 1900.

With over 3.5 million archival records, including paintings, photographs, microfilms, and audio recordings, the NMK Archives provides invaluable resources for researchers, historians, scholars, and the general public.

Core Functions of the NMK Archives

  • Preserving Kenya’s Cultural & Historical Records

    • Documenting and maintaining archival materials related to Kenya’s heritage, governance, and natural history.

  • Providing Access to Archival Collections for Research & Education

    • Assisting historians, scholars, students, and the public in accessing primary source materials.

  • Conservation & Restoration of Rare Documents & Photographs

    • Protecting fragile records through digitization, de-acidification, and microfilming.

  • Enhancing Public Awareness of Kenya’s History & Cultural Identity

    • Showcasing archival collections through exhibitions, lectures, and digital access platforms.

  • Collaborating with Global Institutions for Heritage Preservation

    • Working with international archives, digital libraries, and conservation agencies to expand access to Kenya’s historical documents.

 

Archival Holdings & Special Collections

The NMK Archives houses a vast collection of historical records and multimedia materials, offering a comprehensive record of Kenya’s past.

Over 3.5 million historical records, including:

  • Official government correspondences & policy documents.
  • Records on Kenya’s independence and post-colonial governance.
  • Documents on Kenya’s environmental and scientific policies.

Over 4,000 photographs covering:

  • The Mau Mau struggle & Kenya’s independence movement.
  • First governments & prominent national figures.
  • Coastal towns, Swahili architecture, and cultural heritage sites.
  • Historical events, celebrations, and milestones in Kenya’s history.

Over 800 paintings and illustrations, including:

  • Joy Adamson’s artwork of indigenous Kenyan communities and plants.
  • Historical portraits and landscape paintings from different eras.
  • Art documenting Kenya’s traditional clothing, ceremonies, and daily life.

100+ microfilms and archival tapes documenting:

  • Oral histories and traditional knowledge.
  • Indigenous music and cultural performances.
  • Early news recordings and significant historical speeches.
  • A collection of historical research papers, scientific discoveries, and expedition reports.
  • Documentation of ancient Swahili settlements, early European explorers, and local oral traditions.

1. Belcher’s Birds Collection

  • A rare and detailed record of Kenya’s avian species, essential for ornithological studies.

2. Joy Adamson’s Paintings

  • Illustrations of Kenyan plant species and indigenous communities, used for ethnographic research.

3. Swahili Cultural & Historical Photographs

  • Images documenting Swahili architecture, narrow streets, mosques, and cultural practices in Kenya’s coastal towns.

4. Historical Newspapers & Magazines

  • A newspaper collection with over 28,000 issues dating back to the 1980s, valuable for historical research.

Archival Services & Conservation Programs

1. Microfilming & Digital Archiving

  • Converting fragile documents into digital formats for long-term preservation and accessibility.

2. Restoration & Conservation of Historical Records

  • De-acidification and repair of damaged books, manuscripts, and photographs.

3. Research Support & Reference Services

  • Assisting scholars in locating, interpreting, and utilizing archival materials for research.

4. Historical Document Reproduction & Copying

  • Providing certified copies of archival records for legal, academic, and research purposes.

5. Collaborative Research & International Partnerships

  • Working with institutions like:
    • Google Art & Culture – Digital preservation of Kenyan heritage.
    • Endangered Archives Programme – Protecting fragile and at-risk documents.
    • Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) – Digitizing environmental and ecological research.

National Museums of Kenya

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.

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Headquaters

  • Museum Hill, Kipande Rd
  • P.O. Box 40658 00100
  • Nairobi, Kenya
  • +254 (0) 721 308 485
  • info@museums.or.ke

Admission Hours

  • Monday to Sunday
  • 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Open all year round
  • Night Tours (Min 10 Pax)
  • 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

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The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.

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