The Nairobi Railway Museum tells the story of Kenya’s evolution since the colonial period by providing answers to many unanswered questions.
A part of Kenya’s heritage, the museum forms the foundation of any questions concerning the story behind the railroad as well as its historical development within East Africa.
Nestled in the heart of the once City of Cool Waters, Nairobi, the Museum is the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa which stands as an aesthetic location where a significant part of Kenya’s history is meticulously preserved.
History of the Museum
The Museum was opened in 1971 by the then East Africa Railways (EAR) which saw the need to create as many links as possible with the past, owing to the many changes that were taking place within the railway transport sector.
“Kenya Railways represents the historical growth of this country and Nairobi Railway Museum narrates the tale of this country’s evolvement; indeed, it is the rail that developed Kenya to the country it is now!” notes Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).
Much of the credit for the Museum’s foundation goes to its curator, Mr. Fred Jordan, who had been with the railways in East Africa from 1927.
Jordan saw the need to preserve many links with the past after realizing the speed at which changes were taking place within the railway system.
It is from this realization that he began to gather items which were to form the nucleus of the present-day museum’s fascinating and growing collection.
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How to Access Nairobi Railway Museum
Seeking an immersive journey into Kenya’s rich railway heritage and interesting history?
Look no further than this venerable institution, which was established more than 50 years ago to safeguard the legacy of Kenya’s railway system.
The museum is located in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) along the Haile Sellasie Avenue.
If visiting the museum from Moi Avenue direction, use the round-about and join the Haile Sellasie Avenue.
Just before arriving at the Technical University of Kenya (formerly Kenya Polytechnic University), take left and join Workshop Road which will lead you to Station Road that directly takes you to the museum.
The museum is an ideal place for citizens, both local and foreign tourists, photographers and vloggers eager to capture the essence of Kenya’s railway history.
It preserves a rich tapestry of the historic steam engines, coaches, artifacts, documents, and equipment that illuminate the story of the country’s railway system.
Steps on How to Apply for Visits
The Kenya Times compiled easy and straightforward steps to follow for anyone seeking to visit the museums for either a tour or photography purposes.
It is important to note that the landmark is open daily from 8am to 5pm including National Holidays
Also, you must note that KRC offers different services in the museum ranging from Museum Entry, Hiring Facilities, and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) Freight Services.
All of the aforementioned services can be accessed conveniently through the KRC website on the official e-citizen platform at https://krc.ecitizen.go.ke.
Museum Entry
For Museum Entry, apply online by first visiting the official e-citizen platform.
Proceed to read the instructions carefully and then fill the application form.
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The form includes details such as Select Date of Visit and Category (Adult/Children/ Student),
For adults select either (Citizen/Foreign Resident/Foreigner) and Phone Number.
Finally, choose Payment Method either through MPESA, Online Banking or even Debit/Credit Cards such as Visa Mastercard Payments.
After filling in the form and ensuring that all the details are correct, KRC will provide an invoice which you are supposed to download and print.
As soon as you have downloaded the invoice (receipt), you are ready to enjoy the scenes at the museum.
Hiring Facilities
Also, the museum offers hiring facilities which are ideal for vloggers, photographers and event organizers looking to add some sauce to their creativity through Kenya’s reach history.
The hiring facilities offered include photo shoot, video shoot and events.
To apply for the services, visit the official e-citizen platform and select Hiring Facilities.
From here fill in the applicant’s details, select the type of facility hire categories (Photo shoot/video shoot/events) and select the event date.
After reviewing the application details, submit your application and wait for reviewing so as to proceed with payment.
MGR Freight Services
For freight services, log on to e-citizen, select the “Freight Service Invoice Generator” option and proceed to enter your invoice number/range and the corresponding amount to complete the process.
From here, choose your preferred payment method, currency and follow the provided procedure for payment.
KRC will provide the payment receipt which you are supposed to download and share with the officials or attendants to finalize the arrangements.
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Note that once an application of any of the aforementioned services is approved, applicants should carry an identification document during the visit.
This includes either an Original National Identification Card, Original Alien Identification Card or a Passport.
On the other hand, children and students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult(s).
As of March 26, 2024, the payments for the services to access the Museum were as follows.
For Adults (Ksh200 for Citizens, Ksh500 for Resident Foreigner and Ksh600 for Non-Resident Foreigner)
For Children, Ksh100 for all, for Students (Ksh100 for Citizens, Ksh200 for Resident Foreigner and Ksh300 for Non-Resident Foreigner).
In addition, note that the payments are subject to transactional costs when paying through the e-Citizen platform.
What to Expect at the Museum
The Railway Museum is not only a repository of artifacts but also a dynamic hub of learning and exploration.
As you navigate its hallowed halls, you’ll encounter a captivating collection of locomotives, coaches, and wagons that span various epochs of railway development.
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From the grandeur of steam locomotives to the sleek elegance of the early day coaches, each exhibit offers a poignant glimpse into the evolution of railway technology and its profound impact on Kenya’s societal, economic, and cultural landscape.
Beyond its role, the Railway Museum serves as a venue for educational programs, guided tours, exhibitions, heritage walks, and themed events.
Throughout the year, visitors are invited to delve deeper into the world of railways, gaining invaluable insights into Kenya’s rich railway legacy.
Upon arrival at the museum, visitors are greeted by a vibrant atmosphere adorned with stunning graffiti.
The museum itself is divided into four sections, each offering a unique perspective on Kenya’s railway history.
They include the Outdoor Yard, the mini train (Rainbow City), the Auditorium and Resource Center.
Other features
For photographers, vloggers or event planners, the outdoor section is the ideal place as it welcomes you to the historic steam engines & coaches to experience the ‘Steam age’.
According to KRC, the grounds are available for hire for events, picnic, photo shoots, modelling and weddings.
On the other hand, the mini train gives a delightful ride within the yard for the young ones, and it runs upon booking by interested parties (including weekends & public holidays).
The auditorium is hired for conferences, seminars and parties while the Resource Centre is priceless to railway historians and researchers.
Here you will find old railway records, correspondence, books on the construction of the railway, maps, annual reports and thousands of historic photographs dating back to 1896.
From vintage bicycles and historic photographs to porcelain plates used by Queen Elizabeth II, the exhibits paint a vivid picture of the country’s past.
Visitors can explore a communications room showcasing tools of the era, as well as a section dedicated to the transformation journey to the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Outside, visitors can marvel at well-maintained locomotives and coaches, including the iconic first-class coach associated with the man-eaters of Tsavo.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, the Nairobi Railway Museum offers something for everyone.
In conclusion, the Nairobi Railway Museum stands as a living testament to Kenya’s remarkable railway journey, preserving the nation’s heritage for generations to come.
So why wait? Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kenya’s railway history at the Nairobi Railway Museum.
