| National Archives opens renovated photo gallery to the public |
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The Kenya national archives will be opening the renovated photo gallery to the public in two weeks time, showcasing the rich collection of Murumbi’s photos including one of the best and rarest stamp collection, dating as far as the 1800s and some rare books ; most published before 1900 and currently out of print.
 The renovated gallery now has the photos condensed into huge wall hangings; grouping them in to different categories unlike previously where each photograph was on its own photo frame. Photos include some showcasing the ways of life of different communities, governors, paramount chiefs, industrial and agricultural photos, prominent personalities, police commissioners, and the first Lancaster meeting. George Muoria, the chief archivist says this has created more space for more collections which were previously not on display; including Murumbi’s collection of stamps and captions of original envelopes dating as far back as the 1800s; and from different countries including Malaysia, Mauritius as well as a collection of rare books. ‘These are rare collections and you will not find them anywhere else,’ says Mr. Muoria, of the stamps. Some of them have been blown up to the size of photographs, and gives the gallery such an appealing look. George, who was in charge of the renovation, says he did so with the help of the Library of Congress, as there was nobody locally with the expertise on this. A map of Africa alsohangs on one corner, where Mr.Muoria says he is trying to trace the history of the dhow trade. Also on display is a red arm chair that apparently was the official seat for the first president of Kenya. Born in 1911, Joseph Zuzarte Murumbi served as Kenya’s vice president in 1965 after Jaramogi Oginga.He served for seven months and later resigned. Murumbi was an avid art collector and used to run his own gallery at Muthaiga, and in 1976 wanted to get rid of the material artifacts and therefore sold everything to the government; including his 12,000 collection of rare books. Among materials on display at the gallery include weaponry from different communities in Africa, Kenyan metal jewellery, Swahili cookery, nimba masks from Guinea, African ivory, clay and stone art, pipes and snuff boxes, Ethiopian religious arts among others. The National Archives itself is however older than the gallery; with records and documents that showcase documentary heritage; with some dating back to 1800s. The Archives was established in 1965 by an act of parliament to offer advisory services to public offices on management of their records;and is also charged with acquisition of archival materials, preservation of records and reference services. The Archives was initially housed at Jogoo House on Harambee Avenue, and moved to the current building on Tom Mboya Street in 1979. The place where the National Archives is, was formerly a bank; starting out as Bank of India in 1904; initially in a corrugated iron sheet building. The first stone building was put up in 1906; and the present building in 1906 with just the first floor. Around 1950; the bank changed to Gildleys bank and in the 70s Kenya Commercial Bank took over and the National archives in 1979. The National Archives has various departments which include the records management department, archives management department, the IT department, the art gallery and the special audio visual department.
The archives department has a repository section charged with storage of records, a conservation section charged with conservation and repair of records, and a micro filming section charged with filming the records in a highly reduced size as well as scanning. The IT section has automated machines for easier search of records and documents; while the search room has a seating capacity of up to 50 readers where members wishing to use materials in the closed library, which has thousands of books and records, can sit and read. One must however pay an annual permit fee of Sh100 for students, Sh200 for adults and Sh1500 for non residents; to be able to access the search room and library services. The library also offers photocopying services, printing from microfilms, duplication and reprinting services to members. The National archives library is different from other libraries in that it is a closed library and one can only read within the search room. Books found here include legal books; gazettes, annual reports commission of inquiries, and documents dating back to 1800s; including agreements such as Maasai agreements and ordinances published when Kenya was still a protectorate. During his tenure as a government official; Mr. Murumbi had official correspondences, conference papers and official documents that he also handed over to the government; forming part of the rich collection of documents at the national archives. But of all the departments , the art gallery stands out and according to Mr. Muoria ‘it is what makes the place visible,’ receiving up to 30 000 visitors per year, compared to the search room which receives between 7000 and 10, 000 readers every year. There are guides around who take visitors through the gallery explaining each and every of the artifacts found here. The National Archives is open everyday of the week including the public holidays from 9am to 4.30pm for gallery services; and from Monday to Friday 9-4.30pm, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays for the search room and library services.
Comments (2)
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I am the daughter of the late Dr. Igor Mann of AHITI and Mrs. Erica Mann of the
Town Planning Department. I am trying to find any documents, photos or videos
in which they or their names appear. Is there a way to do a search of the
archives? I live in the USA so I cannot come personally. Both my parents were
prominent figures in Kenya life and I am sure they must have appeared in VOK
news footage, etc.
I would much appreciate your help.