Kenya National Archives
Explore Kenya's history and Pan-African art at the National Archives, a treasure trove of documents and cultural artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access to archival records
Kenya National Archives
Best Time
Access to archival records
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Kenya's history and Pan-African art at the National Archives, a treasure trove of documents and cultural artifacts.
"A fascinating place for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kenya, offering a rich display of African art and heritage."
📸 Photo Policy Check
Photography rules differ by floor; check ahead to avoid issues. No videos allowed.
📜 Research Permit Needed
For in-depth research, bring a valid ID and a permit or introduction letter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Murumbi Gallery
Ground Floor
Discover the largest Pan-African art collection, featuring masks, textiles, and artifacts from across the continent.
Archival Records
Search Room
Explore historical government documents, photographs, maps, and rare publications dating back centuries.
Pan-African Heritage
Murumbi Gallery
Immerse yourself in a rich display of African heritage, showcasing diverse cultural expressions and historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Nairobi's Archives
What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Policy Check
Photography rules differ by floor; check ahead to avoid issues. No videos allowed.
📜 Research Permit Needed
For in-depth research, bring a valid ID and a permit or introduction letter.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are budget-friendly, especially for residents.
🗺️ CBD Location
Easily accessible in Nairobi's CBD, near major hotels.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Policy Check
Photography rules differ by floor; check ahead to avoid issues. No videos allowed.
📜 Research Permit Needed
For in-depth research, bring a valid ID and a permit or introduction letter.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are budget-friendly, especially for residents.
🗺️ CBD Location
Easily accessible in Nairobi's CBD, near major hotels.
🗣️ Guides Enhance Visit
Consider a guide like Fessy for deeper insights and facts.
🚶♀️ City Walk Start/End
A good starting or ending point for exploring Nairobi's landmarks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kenya National Archives a fascinating and affordable destination, particularly for its extensive Pan-African art collection in the Murumbi Gallery and its valuable historical documents. While the building itself may feel dated, the rich content inside offers a unique glimpse into Kenya's past and broader African heritage. Some reviewers noted inconsistencies in staff professionalism and strict photography policies.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Kenya National Archives is a fascinating place for anyone interested in the history and culture of Kenya. Located right in the heart of Nairobi, it's easy to access and offers a wide collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts. The gallery on the ground floor showcases a rich display of African art and heritage. The building itself feels a bit dated, but the content inside more than makes up for it. A great stop for history buffs or anyone wanting to learn more about Kenya’s past."
Khuram Shahzad
"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 .
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🏛️ 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 .
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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 .
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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
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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 .
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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…
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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 city’s fabric."
Simon K.
"Archives has been a meeting point for so many kenyans yet most have never been inside it. That needs to change haha ...
Entry for me and my friend was a combined total of 105 ksh. The man who was prompting payments was very unprofessional though ... commenting on our bodies, speaking to us in his vernacular language even when we mentioned we were not from there ... that was not fun!
Most of the pieces on the ground floor are not from kenya. Still interesting to learn more about other neighboring African countries though! Something to note- they don't allow videos. Only pictures on the ground floor and no pictures on the 1st floor and any "political images" ... found that rather weird but that's their policy ... i recommend visiting though! Lots to learn and see !"
Nicole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kenya National Archives is located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) at 30 Moi Avenue. It's easily accessible by taxi, matatu (local minibuses), or even on foot if you're staying nearby. It's situated across from the Hilton Hotel and behind the Ambassadeur Hotel.
Parking in Nairobi's CBD can be challenging. While there might be street parking or nearby paid parking lots, it's often more convenient to use public transport or a taxi, especially given the busy nature of the area.
The Archives are conveniently located near several landmarks, including the Hilton Hotel, Ambassadeur Hotel, and McMillan Library. It's also a point of reference for navigating the city streets like Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street.
Yes, depending on your starting point, you can walk to the Archives from other central Nairobi attractions like the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Be prepared for city traffic and street vendors.
As with any busy urban center, be mindful of your surroundings. Some TikTok videos mention 'dangerous Nairobi streets' and warn of pickpocketers, so it's advisable to stay aware and secure your belongings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Archives themselves are open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 PM. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Murumbi Gallery, however, is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, including weekends and holidays.
Entry fees are quite affordable. For residents, it's approximately KSh 50, while non-residents pay around KSh 200. Library membership or research access may incur additional fees of about KSh 200.
Advance booking is generally not required for general entry to the Murumbi Gallery or for casual visits to the archives. However, for specific research purposes, you might need to obtain a permit or introduction letter beforehand.
The Murumbi Gallery is part of the Kenya National Archives complex, and the general entry fee typically covers access to both the gallery and the archival exhibition areas.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the resident entry fee is already very low. For group visits or research inquiries, it's best to contact the Archives directly to inquire about potential arrangements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore a vast collection of archival records, including government gazettes, correspondence, and historical photographs. The highlight is the Murumbi Gallery, featuring a significant Pan-African art collection with masks, textiles, and artifacts.
Photography rules vary. Generally, pictures are allowed on the ground floor (Murumbi Gallery), but no photos are permitted on the first floor or of any 'political images.' Video recording is not allowed.
The Murumbi Gallery is renowned for housing what is believed to be the largest Pan-African art collection in Africa. It showcases a diverse array of masks, textiles, weapons, beadwork, furniture, rare books, and stamps from across the continent.
Yes, the Archives have well-equipped search rooms for researchers. Access to archival records requires a permit or introduction letter, and permission may be needed to touch, copy, or photograph certain materials.
While the Archives focus on Kenyan history and documentation, the Murumbi Gallery features a broad Pan-African art collection, meaning many exhibits are from various African countries, not just Kenya.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available, some visitors have found that engaging with staff or knowledgeable individuals like 'Fessy' can provide a more insightful experience and plenty of interesting facts about the country.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted on the ground floor (Murumbi Gallery), but there are restrictions. No photos are allowed on the first floor, and certain 'political images' are also off-limits. Video recording is not permitted.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Murumbi Gallery, allowing you to capture the impressive collection of masks, textiles, and other artifacts. However, always be respectful and check for any specific signage.
Yes, photography is strictly prohibited on the first floor of the Archives, which houses more sensitive or restricted archival materials.
You can capture vibrant images of African art, historical artifacts, and potentially some of the architectural elements of the building. It's a great spot for cultural and historical photography.
If you're interested in cultural heritage and art, it's definitely worth bringing a camera to document the Murumbi Gallery's collection. Just be mindful of the rules to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that photography rules are strict, especially on the upper floors, so manage expectations for capturing every moment. The busy CBD location means you'll need to navigate city traffic, but the gallery's accessibility makes it a feasible stop for families looking to introduce children to African culture and history.
📚 Researchers and History Buffs
The Murumbi Gallery provides a rich visual complement to archival research, showcasing a vast collection of African art that contextualizes historical narratives. Visitors have praised the gallery for its impact and the insights gained, sometimes even recommending it over larger museums for its focused and affordable experience.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
While photography is allowed in the gallery, be mindful of the specific rules and respect the artworks. The collection's breadth means you can spend a considerable amount of time appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural significance of each piece.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Murumbi Gallery: A Pan-African Treasure Trove
Visitors often describe the gallery as a fascinating and impactful experience, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Africa. While some reviews note that not all exhibits are exclusively Kenyan, this broad scope allows for a deeper understanding of shared African artistic traditions and historical connections. The gallery is open daily, making it an accessible destination for anyone interested in African art and history.
Archival Records and Research
For those interested in conducting in-depth research, the Archives provide well-equipped search rooms and reference facilities. However, accessing these materials typically requires a permit or introduction letter. Visitors should also be aware that permission may be needed to touch, copy, or photograph certain sensitive documents. This process ensures the preservation of these historical treasures for future generations.
Reddit users have highlighted the Archives as a source for old newspaper issues, such as the Daily Nation and Standard, making it a valuable resource for historical journalism research. The sheer volume of information available underscores the importance of the Archives as a center for historical scholarship and public education.
Navigating Nairobi's CBD and the Archives
However, the CBD is known for its heavy traffic and vibrant street life, which can make getting to and around the Archives a bit hectic. Some visitors have noted the presence of street stalls and the general busyness of the area. While accessible by taxi and matatu, being aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings is advisable, as some social media content has cautioned about potential pickpocketers in busy urban areas.
Despite the urban bustle, the Archives are a key cultural landmark. Some visitors have even incorporated visits to the Archives into guided city walks, highlighting its integration into the urban fabric and its role as a point of interest for both locals and tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit