The National Museums of Kenya: A Brief Overview

ART / SCIENCE FORUM© 1999 ISAST Lorna Abungu The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to study and preserve Kenya’s past and present cultural and natural heritage. By gaining more knowledge in this vast area of study, we hope to foster a greater sense of respect for our environment and learn more efficient methods of managing our natural resources for the benefit of Kenya and the world. Vested in the NMK, the Antiquities and Monuments Act of 1983 provides the legislative authority that governs all the movable and immovable relics of historical , archeological and paleontological significance in the country (Fig. 1). From its beginnings as a small repository of natural history specimens, the museum has grown over the years into a multi-disciplinary research institute of international repute hosting over 20 departments and divisions, including Archeology, Paleontology, Mammalogy and Education. It is also host to centers of scientific excellence, such as the East African Herbarium, the Center for Biodiversity and the Institute of Primate Research. There are 15 regional museums throughout the country and eight historical /archeological sites open to the public. One of the main objectives of the NMK is to create public awareness about the importance of conservation and in particular the importance of preserving Kenya’s unique natural and cultural diversity . This is achieved through public programs such as permanent, temporary and traveling exhibitions, educational youth programs (from primary school to university level) and the production of museum publications. To this end, the NMK has also begun to explore new technologies such as the Internet and multimedia as ways of reaching its target audience. The National Museums of Kenya: A Brief Overview Lorna Abungu, National Museums of Kenya, Regional Centre for the Study of Archaeology in Eastern and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: . WWW: . Museums entering the twenty-first century must not only gear their efforts towards dynamic exhibitions, but also keep abreast of new developments in technology. Among some of the latest developments positively affecting museum operations globally are the emerging multimedia and communications technologies. Most museums and museum associations around the world are connected to the Internet, which has made the sharing and exchange of ideas and information easier. The National Museums of Kenya has met the technological challenges facing museums world-wide head on. Already in place is the NMK’s Web site [1], which was created by the museum’s Computer Services Department staff. In charge of the development of the site is a dedicated team of museum professionals from diverse backgrounds, including computing, archeology, education and public relations. The site was designed specifically to give viewers the best possible overview of such a diverse institution . Resources on the Web site include information on scientific/research departments , new exhibitions, Nairobi Museum galleries, regional museums, sites and monuments, upcoming events and activities, and affiliated programs and groups such as the various “friends of museums” societies, East African Natural History Society and the Museum Art Studio. While the structure and content of the site meet current expectations, it is the NMK’s aim to explore new avenues of development such as searchable databases , on-line collections and virtual gallery tours. The NMK’s Web site is the second major museum Web site in the region, and the NMK is keen to take up the tremendous role it has to play in spearheading the development of multimedia projects for African museums into the twenty-first century. Reference 1. URL: . Manuscript received 18 June 1998. Fig. 1. Homo Erectus (“Turkana boy”); about 12 years old, he stood at 1.6 meters. Found at Nariokotome (western side of Lake Turkana), dated to 1.5 million years ago. Photo copyright © 1985 National Museums of Kenya. Used by permission. LEONARDO, Vol. 32, No. 2, p. 101, 1999 101 A F R I C A V I R T U A L ...