Kenya National Archives
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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 the building.
David WarobiDavid Warobi
00
The Kenya National Archives stands as a historic giant in the middle of our beautiful city. Its the carrier of Kenya’s national records. Established in 1965 and with over 40,000 volumes of public records and archives,it serves to offer consultative records management services to the public service; acquire and preserve valuable public as well as private records as part of the national documentary heritage; and ensure timely accessibility of records and archives to users. From 2007, the department embarked on the digitization of selected archival materials. The Google Cultural Institute, in collaboration with the Kenya National Archives, launched the digitized National Archives – an initiative that celebrates and promotes Kenyan history, Africa’s heroes and cultural heritage. Emphasis was placed on materials that are heavily used as well as those that are physically deteriorating. To-date, over 13 million documents have been digitized. These materials will be made available for online ordering through this website. With the redesigning of this website, the department intends to make the archival resources available online. Users of the materials will be able to download them remotely after paying the stipulated fees.
Allan HaggaiAllan Haggai
10
Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services (KNADS) is situated at the edge of the central business district in downtown Nairobi along Moi Avenue next to Ambassadeur Hotel.The archives look out on the landmark Hilton Hotel, while on the rear side is Tom Mboya street. It was established in 1965.It holds 40,000 volumes.It was established by an Act of the Parliament of Kenya in 1965 and was placed under the office of the Vice President and the Minister of Home Affairs. It is currently under the office of the Vice-President and Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture. The Kenya National Archives building also houses the Murumbi Gallery which contains African artifacts that were collected in the 19th century.
ALEXALEX
00
Introduction The Kenya Archive collections include archival material, many once confidential, of the colonial and post-colonial government of Kenya up to the early 1960's. "They provide a full account of the social, political, economic, and religious problems of development in equatorial Africa". (Foreword, v.) Documents within the collection also include a large number of microfilm reels of newspapers, journals, and papers of assorted associations. Syracuse University is one of two repositories of the complete microfilm collection of the Kenya National Archives of materials up to the time of independence from colonial rule in Kenya. The other collection is owned by the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) in Chicago.
Victor MosesVictor Moses
20
Archives is the most common meeting point in Nairobi CBD for majority of Kenyans. But almost 90% of them never actually go into the building. The architecture of this building is magnificent and it has been perfectly maintained over the years. It contains a lot of the Kenyan history in documents, artifacts and structures. The entrance fee for a Kenyan resident is Kshs. 50. They restrict the taking of photographs to a limit of 5 photos and only on the ground floor. However, it's a beautiful experience and very enlightening on the Kenyan history.
Wambui KaburiWambui Kaburi
10
A masterpiece of documentation service situated along Moi Avenue street on the edge of Central Business District of the metropolitan capital city of The Republic of Kenya. The Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service building program began in 1928 later completion followed in 1931. In 1965 the sovereign government of the Republic of Kenya established an Act of Parliament and placed it under the office of the Vice President and the Minister of Home Affairs. You can always pay a visit as a patriotic citizen.
Daniel MutukuDaniel Mutuku
00
Nearby Attractions Of Kenya National Archives
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
City Market
August 7th Memorial Park
Muthurwa Market
Jamia Mosque
Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family
Maasai Market
Jeevanjee Gardens
Wakulima Market Nairobi
National Archives Moi Avenue

Kenyatta International Convention Centre
4.5
(4K)Click for details

City Market
4.0
(3.1K)Click for details

August 7th Memorial Park
4.4
(2.3K)Click for details

Muthurwa Market
3.6
(2.8K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Kenya National Archives
CJ's
Kilimanjaro Jamia, Kimathi Street
Java House - Mama Ngina St
PRONTO RESTAURANT (Standard Street)
CafeDeli Restaurant, Koinange Street
Java House - Reinsurance Plaza
Al-Yusra Restaurant
Java House - Kimathi Street
Java House - Uniafric
Sizzlin Grills

CJ's
4.6
(4.6K)$$
Click for details

Kilimanjaro Jamia, Kimathi Street
4.3
(2.9K)Click for details

Java House - Mama Ngina St
4.3
(1.6K)$$
Click for details

PRONTO RESTAURANT (Standard Street)
4.2
(1.6K)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Moi Avenue, next to Ambassadeur Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Map
Phone
+254 20 2224666
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Overview
4.2
(5.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
educational
Description
Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services is situated at the edge of the central business district in downtown Nairobi along Moi Avenue next to Ambassadeur Hotel. The archives look out on the landmark Hilton Hotel, while on the rear side is Tom Mboya street.
attractions: Kenyatta International Convention Centre, City Market, August 7th Memorial Park, Muthurwa Market, Jamia Mosque, Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family, Maasai Market, Jeevanjee Gardens, Wakulima Market Nairobi, National Archives Moi Avenue, restaurants: CJ's, Kilimanjaro Jamia, Kimathi Street, Java House - Mama Ngina St, PRONTO RESTAURANT (Standard Street), CafeDeli Restaurant, Koinange Street, Java House - Reinsurance Plaza, Al-Yusra Restaurant, Java House - Kimathi Street, Java House - Uniafric, Sizzlin Grills

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