History of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK)

Over a Century of Heritage Preservation & Innovation

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has a rich history dating back to 1910, when a museum was first established in Nairobi by the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society—now known as the East African Natural History Society (EANHS). Initially, this museum served as a space for colonial settlers and naturalists to store and preserve collections of various specimens.

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Key Historical Milestones

1910 – Establishment of the First Museum

  • The first museum site was located at what is now Nyayo House, Nairobi.
  • As collections grew, a larger facility was needed, leading to the construction of a new building in 1922 at the current site of Serena Hotel, Nairobi

1929 – Move to Museum Hill

  • The colonial government allocated land at Museum Hill, Nairobi, for a dedicated national museum.
  • Construction of the new museum began, and on September 22, 1930, it was officially opened as the Coryndon Museum, named in honor of Sir Robert Coryndon, a former Governor of Kenya and a strong supporter of the Uganda Natural History Society.

1963 – Renaming to National Museums of Kenya

  • Upon Kenya’s independence, the institution was renamed National Museums of Kenya (NMK).
  • NMK expanded its mandate to include regional museums, historical sites, and monuments designated as national heritage sites.
  • Each regional museum developed its own unique identity and specialized programs.

Expansion into Research & Collaboration

NMK broadened its role beyond exhibitions and conservation by establishing partnerships with key research and development institutions, including:

  • The Institute of Primate Research – Advancing wildlife and primate studies.
  • The Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa (RISSEA) – Focused on the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Swahili coast.

NMK's Institutional Transformation: 'Museum in Change

In response to a changing global landscape, NMK launched the ‘Museum in Change’ Program in the late 1990s, supported by the European Union through the National Museums of Kenya Support Programme (NMKSP).

Goals of the Transformation

  • Make NMK a modern, outward-looking institution.
  • Improve visitor experience & public engagement.
  • Strengthen heritage conservation & research initiatives.

This transformation focused on four key areas:

  • Expansion & modernization of the Nairobi National Museum into a world-class tourist destination.
  • Construction of a new administration block (Heritage House).
  • Improved physical planning and museum facilities across NMK sites.
  • Previously, NMK operated under two outdated laws:
    • The National Museums Act (Cap 216)
    • The Antiquities and Monuments Act (Cap 215)
  • In 2006, Kenya passed the Museums and Heritage Act, establishing a modern legal framework for heritage conservation, law enforcement, and compliance with international treaties.
  • A new organizational structure was developed to align with NMK’s strategic vision.
  • Integrated into NMK’s Strategic Plan (2005 – 2009).
  • Improved efficiency, governance, and workforce capacity.
  • Strengthened NMK’s public programs to improve visitor experience.
  • Enhanced exhibitions, cultural events, and interactive educational programs.
  • Developed community outreach initiatives to integrate scientific research with cultural knowledge.

A New Corporate Identity: Custodian of Heritage

The culmination of NMK’s transformation was the launch of a new corporate brand identity, reinforcing NMK’s position as a leader in heritage conservation and tourism.

Brand Positioning:

NMK is now recognized as Kenya’s premier heritage institution, a key player in global heritage tourism, and an authority in cultural and natural conservation.

Core Brand Values:

  • Authentic – Committed to genuine heritage preservation.
  • Reliable – A trusted institution for knowledge, research, and conservation.
  • Unifying – Bringing together diverse cultures and histories.
  • Caring – Passionate about protecting Kenya’s rich biodiversity and heritage.
  • Authoritative – A leading research and educational institution in Africa.

Looking Ahead: The Future of NMK

Today, the National Museums of Kenya continues to evolve and innovate, responding to global trends in heritage management, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism.

  • Expanding digital access through virtual tours and online collections.
  • Strengthening global partnerships in archaeology, conservation, and cultural studies.
  • Enhancing visitor experiences with modernized exhibitions and community-driven programs.

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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