Govt Announces Plans to Move National Archives From Nairobi CBD

The government has announced plans to relocate the iconic Kenya National Archives from its current location within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), citing security risks.
According to the government, the decision was informed by the recent youthful protests within the city, where some of the protesters reportedly made attempts to torch the building.
Addressing the press on Thursday, August 21, Gender and Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir revealed thegovernment’s intention to move the building from the citycentre to a safer, quieter and more accessible location.
She noted that the relocation of the structure to more quieter and safer location would allow researchers to conduct their activities seamlessly and more comfortably.
“We would like to see how we can safeguard our assets in this building and how we can take it to an environment where researchers can produce content and be comfortable,” said the PS.
For many Kenyans, the Archives building is more than just a national heritage site; it also serves as a landmark and a popular meeting point for Nairobi residents.
The building, which stands out as one of the most unique structures in the city, was established to preserve significant public records and national documents.
Construction began in 1930, with the building initially intended to serve as a bank. For 34 years, it housed the headquarters of the National and Grindlays Bank.
After Kenya gained independence, the building was formally converted into the National Archives through an Act of Parliament two years later.
Located between Tom Mboya Street and Moi Avenue,it features a large collection of African arts, including basketry, pottery, traditional weaponry, ornamental art, sculptures, paintings, beadwork, textiles, and photography.
Upon entrance, there are over 40,000 historical photographs, parliamentary records, books, documents, and artefacts collected from across the country.
To further enhance its capability, the United Kingdom has handed over more than 300,000 digitalised files once kept secret and taken to Britain during the colonial era.