Government to Relocate Kenya National Archives From Nairobi CBD Over Security Concerns

The government has announced plans to relocate the historic Kenya National Archives from its prime spot in Nairobi’s bustling Central Business District (CBD), citing mounting security risks. The decision comes in the wake of recent youth-led protests that rocked the city, during which demonstrators reportedly attempted to set the iconic building ablaze.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, August 21, Gender and Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir emphasized that the move was necessary to safeguard the invaluable national records housed within the Archives. She revealed that the government is already exploring options for a safer, quieter, and more research-friendly location.

“We would like to see how we can safeguard our assets in this building and how we can take it to an environment where researchers can produce content and be comfortable,” said the PS.

For many Kenyans, however, the Archives is more than just a repository of records. Its location at the junction of Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street has long made it one of Nairobi’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular meeting point.

Established in the 1960s, the building carries deep historical significance. Originally constructed in 1930 to house the National and Grindlays Bank, it was later converted into the National Archives through an Act of Parliament, becoming the guardian of Kenya’s collective memory.

Today, the Kenya National Archives holds an impressive collection of more than 40,000 historical photographs, parliamentary records, and cultural artefacts, including basketry, pottery, traditional weaponry, beadwork, paintings, and textiles.

It also serves as a showcase of African artistry and heritage, attracting both local and international researchers. Recently, its importance was amplified after the United Kingdom handed over more than 300,000 digitalized colonial-era files, further enriching its holdings.