Overview
- Act: National Museums and Heritage Act, Cap. 216
- Formed: 1929
- CEO: Prof. Dr. Mary Gikungu
- X (Twitter)
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) was established in 1930 as the Coryndon Museum to preserve and showcase Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage. Renamed after independence in 1964, NMK expanded its mandate to oversee regional museums, historical monuments, and cultural sites. It operates major attractions, including Nairobi National Museum, Fort Jesus, and Gedi Ruins, promoting conservation, research, and public education. NMK also facilitates scientific and cultural research and engages in heritage preservation, contributing significantly to Kenya’s tourism and educational sectors.
CEO: Prof. Dr. Mary Gikungu
Prof. Dr. Mary Gikungu holds a PhD in Natural Science and Mathematics from the University of Bonn, Germany, and an MSc in
Conservation Biology, along with a BSc in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi. With over 55 published papers, she
specializes in conservation biology and has extensive experience in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change.
Board of Governors
Edwin Jacob Abonyo
Chairman
Dr. Kiprop Lagat
Alt to PS State Department of Culture, the Arts and Heritage
John Ndiritu Mwangi
Alt to the PS National Treasury
Christopher Foot
Board Member
Adhan Nuri Berhe
Board Member
Yamin Hussein Hassan
Board Member
Stephen Lesoron Gambare
Board Member
Prof. Dr. Mary Gikungu
Director General
Functions
- Preservation of Heritage: Safeguarding and conserving Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage through research and documentation.
- Research and Documentation: Conducting scientific research on various aspects of Kenya’s history, culture, and natural environment to enrich the knowledge base.
- Public Education: Promoting public awareness and understanding of Kenya’s heritage through educational programs, exhibitions, and community outreach.
- Curation of Exhibits: Developing and maintaining exhibits that showcase the nation’s artifacts, artworks, and historical items.
- Management of National Museums: Overseeing the operations and management of various museums and heritage sites across the country.
- Advisory Role: Providing expert advice to the government and other stakeholders on matters related to heritage conservation and management.
- Cultural Exchange: Facilitating cultural exchanges and collaborations with national and international museums and institutions.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and capabilities of museum staff and other stakeholders involved in heritage conservation.
- Promotion of Tourism: Encouraging tourism to Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage sites to foster economic development.
- Policy Formulation: Contributing to the development of national policies related to heritage management, cultural preservation, and museum practices.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- National Museums of Kenya Corporate Headquarters, Museum Hill
- P.O. BOX 40658- 00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
- publicrelations@museums.or.ke / dgnmk@museums.or.ke
- +254721308485