The government has announced plans to relocate the National Archives in Nairobi CBD due to growing security risks, especially after recent protests threatened the safety of the iconic building and its treasured collections.
National Archives relocation plans unveiled
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, confirmed that there had been an attempt to torch the historic Kenya National Archives during recent demonstrations.
According to the PS, the government is now exploring the possibility of moving the Archives to a safer, quieter, and more accessible location.
“We would like to see how we can safeguard our assets in this building and move them to an environment where researchers can produce content and feel comfortable,” said Bashir.
Archives at risk during protests
The Kenya National Archives, located along Moi Avenue opposite the Hilton Hotel, is one of Nairobi’s most iconic landmarks. It not only houses priceless historical records and cultural assets but also serves as one of the city’s most popular public meeting points.
The Ministry says the relocation will ensure that Kenya’s national heritage is preserved in a secure environment, free from the chaos of frequent protests in the central business district.
Archives’ cultural and historical importance
The Kenya National Archives was established in 1965 and is home to over 40,000 volumes of public records and important cultural collections. According to UNESCO, archives play a critical role in preserving the identity and memory of nations, making their security a top priority.
Locally, the Archives continue to attract thousands of researchers, students, and tourists every year.
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