Why Visit? Tambach Museum lies at an altitude of 6,500 feet atop the Elgeiyo Escarpment. Officially opened to the public on 31st March, 2012, it stands on a historically rich site that was once a British colonial administration centre for the Elgeiyo and Marakwet peoples, established in the 1920s.
Located in Tambach Town, Elgeiyo/Marakwet County, approximately 42 kilometres from Eldoret
The museum offers spectacular views of the Kerio Valley, Tugen Hills, and Kerio River, and is well known for the Sirikwa Holes—ancient dwellings constructed by the Sirikwa people in the 17th and 18th centuries. Tambach Museum bridges the heritage of pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence Kenya in a vibrant cultural and historical context.
A historical narrative of the town’s colonial roots, independence-era developments, and renewed growth.
Exhibits showcasing traditional dress, tools, crafts, and daily life of the Elgeyo, Marakwet, and Keiyo communities.
Multimedia stories from local elders and residents.
Archaeological evidence of early habitation and lifestyle in the region.
The idea of establishing a museum in Tambach was initiated by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) in 2002 to safeguard the Tambach heritage site and the culture of the Keiyo and Marakwet communities. The museum was developed within a former District Commissioner’s residence, a seven-room colonial-era bungalow renovated by NMK in 2003.
The Tambach Heritage Town Exhibition is the museum’s central showcase, detailing the town’s rise during colonial and independence periods, factors influencing its development, and current revitalization. It also explores the cultural practices, livelihoods, and traditions of the region’s communities in the setting of the Kerio Valley.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission: Via the eCitizen platform; discounts for students, elders, and groups
Directions: Accessible from Eldoret via the Iten–Kabarnet road, clearly signposted
School Tours: Designed to align with national curriculum standards
Community Workshops: Topics include oral history, conservation, and cultural storytelling
Local Festivals: Celebrations of North Rift heritage with music, food, and performances
Tambach Museum plays a key role in documenting regional histories and preserving oral traditions, with a strong focus on engaging youth and elders alike. Its collections and archives support research in ethnography, archaeology, and community development.
Outdoor Learning & Rest Areas: Spaces for group discussions and relaxation
Toilets: Accessible and well maintained
Information Desk: Staffed by local history guides
Secure Parking: On-site parking available for all visitors
Ideal for Educators, Researchers, and Cultural Enthusiasts
Photography: Permitted in most areas; request permission for special shoots
Best Views: Visit early morning or late afternoon for scenic photo opportunities over the Kerio Valley
Combine With: A visit to Kerio Valley viewpoint, Iten town, or a hike on the Elgeyo Escarpment
Curator: Korir Stanley
Email: skorir@museums.or.ke
Phone: +254 712 412 475
Explore the living memories of Kenya’s highland communities at Tambach Museum—where education and culture unite across generations.
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.
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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