Kenya National Archives — Attraction in Nairobi

The Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service (KNADS) sits splendidly in Nairobi’s CBD, at 30 Moi Avenue—right beside the Ambassadeur Hotel and looking out to the Hilton Hotel, with Tom Mboya Street at the back .

🏛️ History & Role

Founded by Parliament in 1965 under the Public Archives & Documentation Service Act, KNADS manages all public records in Kenya; it also expanded in 1990 to include published government materials .

Repositories: houses about 600 million pages across eight secure storage areas .

Under the State Department for Culture & Heritage, it's responsible for advising, preserving, digitizing, and regulating access to public and private records .

What You Can See & Do

📚 Archival Records & Search Room

Holds government gazettes, correspondence, policy papers, missionary documents (like Church Missionary Society archives), photos, audio‑visual items, maps, and libraries—some as old as the 17th century .

Well‑equipped search rooms and reference facilities support both scholars and the general public .

Research requires a permit or introduction letter; touch, copy, or photograph some materials only with permission .

🎨 Murumbi Gallery

Named for Joseph Murumbi (Kenya’s 2nd Vice‑President), this ground floor gallery is believed to hold the largest Pan‑African art collection in Africa, showcasing masks, textiles, weapons, beadwork, furniture, rare books, and stamps from across AI and the continent .

Notably includes collections from the Murumbis, plus additions from the African Heritage House .

Visiting Info

Detail Info

Hours (Archives) Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–12 pm; closed Sun & public holidays Murumbi Gallery Open daily 9 am–4:30 pm, including weekends & holidays Fees Entry KSh 50 (residents), KSh 200 (non‑residents); library/membership KSh 200

Planning A Visit

How to get there: Accessible by taxi, matatu, or on foot from nearby hotels; right across from the Hilton .

What to bring: For research, carry a valid ID and a permit/letter; check ahead for permitted copying rules.

Nearby spots: You could pair your visit with McMillan Library or a stroll up to the KICC, or just enjoy neighborhood cafés .

Visitors’ Experiences

According to Reddit users, the Archives is:

“pretty interesting and would 100% recommend among things to do in Nairobi” And a hub for historical documents: “Kenya national archives” is where you can find old newspaper issues like Daily Nation, Standard, Star…

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a researcher tracing Kenya’s colonial past, an art enthusiast exploring Pan‑African treasures in the Murumbi Gallery, or simply curious about Nairobi’s heritage, a visit here offers a unique, layered peek into the nation’s story—and it’s well integrated into the...

I recently visited the Kenya National Archives Documentation Center, and I must say that my experience exceeded expectations. This place is a treasure trove of historical information and a must-visit for anyone interested in Kenya's rich heritage.

First, the staff at the center were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They guided me through the vast collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts, answering all my questions with enthusiasm and expertise. Their passion for preserving and sharing Kenya's history was evident, and their assistance made my visit even more enjoyable.

The documentation center itself is well-organized and easily accessible. The materials are neatly categorized, making it convenient to find specific documents or explore different topics. The archives are properly maintained, ensuring the preservation of these valuable records for future generations.

I was particularly impressed by the extensive range of resources available. Whether you're interested in colonial history, the struggle for independence, cultural heritage, or any other aspect of Kenya's past, the center offers a wealth of materials to delve into. I spent hours engrossed in old photographs, letters, newspapers, and government records, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's journey.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the effort put into digitizing certain documents. This allows for easier access and preservation, as well as enabling researchers and students from around the world to explore Kenya's history remotely. The center's commitment to embracing technology while preserving traditional archival methods is commendable.

The ambiance of the center was tranquil and conducive to study and research. It provided a peaceful environment where I could immerse myself in the past. The facilities were well-maintained, and the reading areas were comfortable, making it an ideal place to spend hours immersed in history.

The Kenya National Archives Documentation Center is not only a valuable resource for researchers but also an educational destination for students. The center offers guided tours and educational programs that cater to different age groups, fostering an appreciation for Kenya's history among the younger generation.

In conclusion, I highly recommend visiting the Kenya National Archives Documentation Center. It is a remarkable institution that preserves and showcases Kenya's historical legacy. The knowledgeable staff, extensive collection of documents, and well-maintained facilities create an exceptional experience for history enthusiasts and researchers alike. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore Kenya's past at this...

When you first walk into the Kenya National Archives, you may be mistaken to think that it is merely an art gallery. Indeed, it contains a vast catalogue of African heritage arts that span practically every art form from basketry, pottery, weaponry, masks and other ornamental arts, sculpture, painting, bead-works, dress, photography and many others. However, the Kenya National Archives (which is a department under the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture), is a statutory body created in 1965 by an Act of the Kenyan Parliament with stewardship of Kenya’s public records and national documentation services. The land on which it stands was originally the Nairobi headquarters of the National Bank of India. The building in which it is housed, an enduring landmark of Nairobi, was constructed in 1931 by the National & Grindlays Bank. It was owned by Kenya Commercial Bank between 1970 and 1978 and thereafter acquired by the government of Kenya for the Kenya National Archives. It houses the Joseph Murumbi Gallery on its ground floor which contains simply the largest collection of Africana from every corner of the African continent, from Mauritius to Ethiopia, Gambia to the Congo. There is a second gallery on the upper floor which provides a deep historical reflection of Kenya from the pre-colonial times (Circa 1890) to date. Amongst the vast majority of Kenyans, little is known and understood about the Kenya National Archives. However, it is a real treasure trove, a visit to which is mandatory, especially for research enthusiasts and the lovers of art, history and culture. You can research public records on virtually any area of government through its library and search room located on the first floor of...