The iconic Kenya National Archives is set to move out of Nairobi’s Central Business District. For decades, the building on Moi Avenue has been a beloved landmark and a common meeting point for city residents. But the government says it’s time for a change.
The Reasons for the Move
Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo and Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir confirmed the relocation on Thursday, August 21. Their decision is based on a few key factors:
Security Concerns: Following the recent Gen Z protests, during which attempts were made to set the building on fire, officials want to move the historical records to a safer location.
A Better Research Environment: The new location will be quieter and more suitable for serious researchers, including those working on doctoral degrees. PS Bashir stated, “We would like to safeguard our assets and create a place where doctoral researchers and others can be comfortable.”
Modern Facilities: The current location in the CBD is noisy and lacks space and parking. The new site will offer better amenities for both staff and visitors.
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It also houses the famous Murumbi Gallery, which is home to Africa’s largest collection of Pan-African art. The gallery is named after Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s second Vice President, who donated the priceless collection.
A Digital Step Forward
In a separate but related event, the UK handed over more than 300,000 digitised colonial-era documents to the Kenyan government. These files, which were once kept secret, include important records on the Mau Mau and their detention.
CS Cheptumo praised the move, saying, “Kenya was the first post-colonial government to formally demand the return of these records, and our persistence has borne fruit.”
The relocation of the Archives marks a new chapter for one of Kenya’s most important cultural institutions. While the “meet me at Archives” tradition might fade, the move promises a fresh, modern home for the nation’s history.
BY bradley odhiambo
