For decades, the Kenya National Archives has stood at the heart of Nairobi, serving both as a heritage hub and one of the city’s most familiar landmarks. Now, the government has confirmed plans to relocate it from the central business district to a safer and more accessible location.
Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir announced the move on Thursday, August 21, saying the decision was driven by the need to safeguard priceless collections and improve conditions for researchers. She explained that the new site will be designed to give scholars a quiet environment where they can comfortably conduct research, including doctoral-level studies.
The announcement follows a significant moment in Kenya’s historical preservation efforts. The United Kingdom recently handed over more than 300,000 digitised colonial-era files once classified and kept secret. These documents detail sensitive periods of Kenya’s past, including resistance movements, land policies, and intelligence operations during colonial rule. Historians and researchers have hailed the handover as a major step in deepening understanding of Kenya’s independence struggle and its colonial legacy. Kenya is among the first African nations to receive such an extensive repatriation of archival material.
Security concerns have also played a central role in accelerating the relocation plans. During recent Gen Z-led protests in Nairobi, demonstrators attempted to target the archives building, exposing its vulnerability in the city centre. This incident pushed officials to act quickly in order to prevent potential loss of invaluable historical records.
Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo added that the relocation is not just about security but also about accessibility. She noted that the current site is plagued by heavy traffic, limited parking, and constant noise, making it unsuitable for research and preservation needs. The new facility, she said, will provide a larger, quieter space with proper amenities for both researchers and the public.
For many Kenyans, the archives have long been more than just a building; they represent memory, heritage, and identity. Moving them away from Moi Avenue and Mama Ngina Street marks the end of an era, but officials insist the change is necessary to protect the nation’s history for future generations.