National Museums of Kenya 'where heritage lives on'?

Kenya Wed 07-04-2010

National Museums of Kenya 'where heritage lives on'?
By Gonda Geets

The beautiful mosaic gate of the new Nairobi National Museum (NMK), was demolished on Easter monday the 5th of April 2010 less than two years after completion. This comes as a sad reminder of the fate that befell the gigantic mural commisioned by a local art marketing organisation AfricanColours in 2007.

Nairobi Museum Mosaic

^{How it used to be: The Mosaic at the entrance of the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi by artist Beartice Ndumi}

The giant mural painted by 7 Kenyan artists was white washed on a public holiday, Jamhuri day 12th December 2007 on the orders of a commitee that wanted the whole museum to reflect its corporate colours.

Now the mosaic gate that was conceptualised and designed by the Kenyan artist Beatrice Ndumi in collaboration with a team of National Museums' staff and completed with funding of the European Union (National Museums of Kenya Support programme) has been brought down.

According to the Director of Coorporate Affairs and Communication of the NMK, the demolition of the mosaic entrance gate was a compulsory government aqcuisition for which the museum will be compensated. There seem to be plans to put up a new entrance in future. However, it is sad that creative energy and funds have been spilled with this lack of forward planning.

Demolition of Mosaic National Museums of Kenya

^{National Museums of Kenya 'where heritage lives on'?}

Does this mean that this road expansion was not planned for a few years ago, when the EU project was ongoing? Or is it an indication of the lack of communication between the respective ministries?

Does this also mean that our National Heritage is comes second to infrastractural development? How can this happen within the premises of the only governmental institution that has the legal mandate to safeguard and protect Kenya's heritage?

Is it a sad reminder of how easily all past efforts by donors are thrown out of the window when a new 'partner' appears on the scene, one that is less scrupulous in his implementation and gives less conditions before money and services are exchanged?

Does the demolition show how little appreciation there is for Kenyan artists and contemporary artworks and how ignorant civil servants are about their own cultural heritage?

Mosaic demolition National Muesums of Kenya

^{Mosaic demolition | National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi}

Does it give a sign to artists that in Kenya, unlike in most other countries, a National Museum cannot guarantee the protection and conservation of one's artwork? Or is this the result of an educational system, where critical thinking and creativity are not fostered?

The demolition of the mosaic gate of the Nairobi National Museum is a huge mistake, a terrible act of ignorance and a refusal to take full responsibility for the collective heritage of Kenyans.

It not only demolishes the gate but with it the pride of the artists and the museum staff who worked hand in hand on the concept.

It is a sad witness of the inability of Ministries to plan and work together and to respect their agreements with their international funding partners (in this case, the funds came from European Union taxpayers).

It shows a lack of proper communication, of respect for the public, a lack of visionary leadership, creative thinking and bravery to find alternative solutions that not only look at the needs of a few but dare to face the complexity of a society.

Mosaic Demolition National Museums of Kenya

The sheer sight of the broken smashed down gate is a wake up call for everyone who keeps silent, who don't dare to speak out against injustice. How long can one remain silent?

Related links:

Kenya Museum Officials Destroy Art Work by Binyavanga Wainaina
AFRICOM Mural At The Kenya National Museum Nairobi by AC.com
The Museum Mural Debate by Bertha Kang'ong'oi

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Your Comments

virginia: Am shocked by this story;you are not alone in your anger and dismay.My respect to the artist and museum staff,and to African Colours.

omosh kindeh: im sad it had to happen,may there be will here on earth as its always in heaven.my history will be the last thing i had to forget but why did it have to be rubbles after all that effort,artistically speaking.its emotional too...

John M: Sheer lack of planning and visionary stewardship.

Sebastian Bay: The big question is why they didn't just move it without breaking it...

Tamara K: An all-out tragedy. The pics are heart-breaking.

soi michael: second time in less than 3 years. i think what they are doing is propergating a culture of destruction of the very same things they are charged to protect. mediocre planning at its best.

Sonia W.: this just broke my heart!the lack of respect the government has for art and hardworking citizens is heartbreaking and so infuriating! it was so beautiful!

margaretta wa gacheru: This was an ugly act of ignorance; also a sign that artists have work to do to rouse public awareness of the VALUE OF PUBLIC ART. if we had known, we could have protested and insisted that it not happen. somebody should be held accountable. is anybody investigating?

Wairimu Maina : i am so disgusted!! i was there during christmas with my children and was amaized by the new look. Our Goverment; What exactly are your prioties, soon our game parks will be looted in the name of infustucture!!! this is ALAMING!!!

mrs owuor: lack of proper planning. what about the artist? Beatrice Ndumi? cant believe the kenyan govt!!!

Sonye Caleb Othoche: It had to happen to alleviate the traffic snarl up synonymous with museum hill road

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