NAIROBI, Aug 23 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya on Friday celebrated the successful transfer of over 307,000 digitized images and 9.76 terabytes of data, culminating a long-standing effort to reclaim archival records taken to the United Kingdom just before independence.
The event marked the launch of Kenya’s Shared Archives at the Kenya National Archives & Documentation Service (KNADS), attended by senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, including Acting British High Commissioner Ed Barnet.
Speaking during the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, noted the invaluable records document pivotal moments in Kenya’s history, such as the Mau Mau uprising and the State of Emergency.
“This achievement, made possible through cooperation with the British Government, positions Kenya as one of the first post-colonial nations to comprehensively reclaim its archival records,” Cheptumo stated
“More than mere documents, these archives restore memory, truth, and identity, ensuring Kenyans can access their history at home without traveling abroad.”
Cheptumo underscored that the Shared Archives symbolize the restoration of Kenya’s national narrative and heritage. Their return guarantees that the story of Kenya’s struggle for freedom and nationhood is preserved, accessible, and told by Kenyans themselves.
She also announced plans for KNADS to enhance its ICT infrastructure and accelerate digitization efforts to ensure widespread accessibility. This will be achieved through exhibitions, workshops, and digital platforms, allowing researchers, students, and the public to engage deeply with Kenya’s rich history.
Cheptumo said opening the Shared Archives to the public is a significant step in honoring Kenya’s past, preserving its heritage, and shaping its future narrative. — NNN-KBC
