Embassy of Kenya, Washington, DC

Written by A Business Daily reporter

July 14, 2008: Kenya’s tourism got a boost today after the newly refurbished Nairobi National Museum was re-opened to the public.

Expanded and remodelled, the museum will feature ancient Kenyan artefacts, sculptures and botanical gardens. Most notable will be the artefacts that had previously not been accessible for the public due to their sensitivity and national value. These will now be on display in the museum.

The refurbishment is part of the museums on going effort to brand and position itself as the destination of choice in heritage tourism.

Speaking during the official opening of the museum, President Mwai Kibaki lauded the move to upgrade the museum and challenged the board and management of the National Museums of Kenya to bring back artefacts taken out of the country, especially during the colonial period.

“These are crucial aspects of our historical and cultural heritage, and therefore every effort must be made to bring them back,” President Kibaki said.

The museum project was funded by the European Union, which gave the Museum a grant of €8 million (Sh841 million) to complete the project.