NMK-HTI

Empowering Heritage Professionals & Preserving Cultural Identity

The National Museums of Kenya Heritage Training Institute (NMK-HTI), originally the Swahili Culture Centre (est. 1992), is a specialized institution dedicated to cultural and natural heritage training. It operates under TVETA certificate number TVETA/PUBLIC/TVC/003/2020.

Initially launched as a skills empowerment project for youth through tailoring, dressmaking, and woodcarving, it evolved into the Research Institute of Swahili Studies of East Africa (RISSEA) in 1996. In 2015, it became NMK-HTI to meet the broader need for professional heritage management training across Kenya, especially under devolution.

Current Locations

  • Main Campus: Mombasa (next to Mombasa Hospital)
  • Satellite Campuses: Nairobi Museum and Lamu Museum
  • Coordinator: Mr. Khalid Kitito

Library Services & Functions

  • Preserving and Organizing Knowledge Resources

    • The library collects, catalogs, and conserves resources covering a wide range of academic disciplines, with a focus on natural sciences, anthropology, archaeology, botany, museology, and conservation biology.

  • Providing Research & Reference Support

    • Assisting students, scholars, and researchers in accessing specialized materials for scientific and cultural studies.

  • Enhancing Access to Digital & Printed Information

    • Digitizing rare publications, offering electronic resources, and collaborating with global knowledge networks to provide open-access research materials.

  • Facilitating Educational & Public Engagement

    • Hosting public lectures, workshops, and exhibitions to enhance scientific literacy and cultural awareness.

  • Archiving & Conserving Rare Materials

    • Maintaining historical documents, rare books, and unique collections, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Courses Offered by NMK-HTI

The NMK Library houses an extensive collection of scientific, historical, and cultural resources, making it a premier center for natural history and conservation research.

  • Technical Skills Training

    • Fashion Design & Tailoring (1 year)

    • Carpentry & Wood Carving (2 years)

    • Includes internal & NITA exams

    • Revitalization of traditional Swahili crafts (e.g., kofia making, Swahili embroidery)

  • Heritage Conservation & Management

    • For county governments, individuals, and institutions (local and international)

  • Swahili Language & Culture Studies

    • From beginner to advanced, including online courses

  • Research & Internships

    • Open to local and international university students

  • Specialized Courses

    • Archaeology (terrestrial & underwater)

    • Museological and heritage studies

Fashion Design & Tailoring (Certificate) – 1 Year

  • Hands-on training in traditional and modern fashion design.
  • Specialized skills in Swahili embroidery and ‘kofia’ making.

Carpentry & Wood Carving (Certificate) – 2 Years

  • Practical training in traditional and contemporary woodworking.
  • Special focus on Swahili wood carving techniques.

Certification: Students take internal and NITA (National Industrial Training Authority) examinations.

Funding Support: While most students are self-sponsored, NMK-HTI also receives sponsored students from organizations such as Mvita CDF Skills Mtaani Project and the County Government of Mombasa.

Designed for:

  • County governments, private museums, individuals, and international heritage institutions.

Courses cover:

  • Heritage site conservation & restoration techniques.
  • Museological studies & collections management.
  • Archaeological studies (terrestrial & underwater archaeology).
  • Swahili culture, language, and history.

Swahili Language Courses:

  • Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Levels.
  • Online Swahili Language Classes Available.

Field Training & Practical Learning:

  • Participants gain hands-on experience at NMK heritage sites and museums.

International Student Opportunities:

  • Research internships and study abroad programs.

Conferences & Seminars:

  • NMK-HTI hosts seminars, workshops, and international conferences on:
    • Swahili heritage and Indian Ocean studies.
    • Historical and contemporary roles of East Africa’s coastal communities.

Coast Resource Centre & Public Library

NMK-HTI hosts a Coast Resource Centre, a public library specializing in rare books and manuscripts on East African history and Swahili culture

Library Features:

  • A wide collection of historical texts, manuscripts, and research materials
  • Lending services for students, researchers, and heritage professionals
  • Archival materials on the history of the Swahili community and Indian Ocean trade

Library Access: Open to students, researchers, and general readers
Research Facilities: Available for academic and heritage research projects
Digitized Resources: Select historical documents available for online access

Key Facilities

  • Coast Resource Centre: Rare books and Swahili manuscripts library
  • Children’s Library: For nursery to lower primary readers with murals and creative learning spaces
  • Research Room: With modern computers and internet for student use
  • Event Hire Spaces: Indoor and outdoor venues for seminars, weddings, and corporate events

Contact Details

Phone: +254 722 611 533

Email: khalid.kitito@museums.or.ke

Website: www.museums.or.ke

Location: Hospital Road, next to Mombasa Hospital

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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  • © 2025 National Museums of Kenya. All Rights Reserved

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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