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Kenya National Archives

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Kenya National Archives (Kenya)

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The Kenya National Archives is a vital cultural institution located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District. Housed in the historic Bank of India building completed in 1931, the archives were officially established in 1965 to preserve the nation's public records and cultural heritage. The facility stores millions of government documents, historical photographs, and microfilms, making it an essential resource for historians and academic researchers. On the ground floor, the Murumbi Gallery showcases one of Africa's most significant private art collections, formerly owned by Joseph Murumbi, Kenya's second Vice President. This gallery features a vast array of African artifacts, including traditional jewelry, textiles, and ceremonial masks from across the continent. The building is situated on Moi Avenue and serves as a popular landmark and meeting point for residents. The Kenya National Archives plays a crucial role in maintaining the national identity and documenting the complex history of Kenya's journey from a colony to an independent republic. It continues to modernize through digitization projects to ensure long-term access to its vast resources.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212122211919191920212020
Rain mm3929641147325162220538165

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The striking historic building in the heart of Nairobi provides publicly accessible interiors, where visitors can explore significant documents, historical photographs, and extensive collections of traditional African art.
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Typical hours
The archives are typically open on weekdays during standard business hours, while the ground-floor exhibition areas also welcome visitors on Saturday mornings. The building is generally closed on Sundays and public holidays.
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Photography
Photography in the ground-floor art exhibitions is often permitted if you ask for permission beforehand. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited in the reading rooms and near delicate, light-sensitive historical documents.
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Time needed
If you are interested in the art exhibitions and want to take a look at the historical collections, allocating about one to two hours is quite appropriate for a thorough exploration of the public sections.
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Combine with
A visit to the National Archives perfectly combines with a short walk to the nearby Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for great city views, or an educational trip to the renowned Nairobi National Museum.
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Getting there
The building is extremely centrally located on Moi Avenue in downtown Nairobi, making it easily accessible on foot from most city center hotels or via a short taxi ride. Many local matatu minibuses also stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Do not miss the impressive Murumbi Gallery located on the ground floor, which houses one of the largest and most fascinating pan-African art and cultural artifact collections on the entire continent.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.28470, 36.82500

Facts

  • The building was originally constructed in 1931 for the Bank of India.
  • The National Archives were established by an Act of Parliament in 1965.
  • It houses the Murumbi Gallery, featuring artifacts from across Africa.
  • The collection includes over 40,000 volumes of historical records.
  • It is located on Moi Avenue in the center of Nairobi's business district.
  • The archives provide extensive documentation on Kenya's independence struggle.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir2 km · EExplore →
Global Trade Centre NairobiGlobal Trade Centre Nairobi3 km · SEExplore →
Heller GardenHeller Garden4 km · SEExplore →
Nairobi Industrial AreaNairobi Industrial Area4 km · NWExplore →
Le'mac TowersLe'mac Towers5 km · SEExplore →
Karura Forest NairobiKarura Forest Nairobi5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kenya National Archives (1)

Kenya National Archives🏛 museum

This museum and archives building on the central square houses historical documents and East African art.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is exhibited at the National Archives?
It exhibits historical documents, photographs, and the extensive Murumbi collection of African art.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is a small entry fee for tourists (approx. 200-500 KES).
What are the opening hours?
The archives are usually open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays until 1:00 PM.
Where is the building located?
It is very centrally located on Moi Avenue, opposite the Hilton Hotel.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography of the exhibits is usually restricted. Please ask at the entrance for current rules.
Kenya National Archives: where is it located?
Kenya National Archives is located in Kenya.
Kenya National Archives: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Kenya National Archives: why is it worth visiting?
The Kenya National Archives is a vital cultural institution located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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History & landmarks

City Market Nairobi — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
City Market Nairobi
A historic market hall in Nairobi known for selling handicrafts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Tom Mboya Monument — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Tom Mboya Monument
A significant monument in Nairobi remembering the assassinated Kenyan politician Tom Mboya.
Dedan Kimathi Statue — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Dedan Kimathi Statue
A bronze monument honoring one of the key leaders of the Mau Mau uprising.
Supreme Court of Kenya — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Supreme Court of Kenya
A historic colonial-era building serving as the seat of the highest court in the country.
CBK Pension Tower — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
CBK Pension Tower
One of the newest and most impressive high-rises in Nairobi's central business district.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
An iconic landmark in Nairobi and a major conference center known for its cylindrical tower.
Holy Family Minor Basilica — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Holy Family Minor Basilica
A Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in the center of Nairobi with striking architecture.
Macmillan Memorial Library — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Macmillan Memorial Library
The oldest library in Nairobi, housed in an impressive neoclassical building.

Nature

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Lake Magadi
An extreme soda lake.
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Lake Bogoria
A volcanically active soda lake.
Lake Ol Oropil — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Lake Ole Nado
Small soda lake.
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Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
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Lake Kamnarok
A lake in the Kerio Valley.
Kerio River — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
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Athi River
A major river in Kenya.

More places

Uhuru Gardens — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Uhuru Gardens
The largest memorial park in Kenya, marking the exact spot where the Kenyan flag was first hoisted on December 12, 1963.
Karen Blixen Museum — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book 'Out of Africa', which now provides insights into the colonial era.
Amboseli National Park — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is famous for its huge herds of elephants and spectacular views of Afric…
Great Rift Valley — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley — Kenya National Archives (Kenya)
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
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Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.