Museum freezes East Africa's railway history

Future preserved

As a way of preserving the present for the future, the museum has also meticulously documented the Chinese-funded construction of the Madaraka Express Standard Gauge Railway.

In the newest collection at the museum, miniature models of the trains using the Standard Gauge Railway are on display alongside other items like machines and equipment used during the construction of the new modern line.

After the privatization of Kenya Railways in 2006, the National Museum of Kenya took custody of the museum and its exhibits. With COVID-19 infections still being witnessed in Kenya and the number of foreign travelers still low, the number of visitors to the museum has really gone down.

However, some online reviews by previous visitors to the museum reveal that anyone willing to visit the attraction will not be disappointed.

According to Martin Wahogo from Nairobi, the museum is a must visit experience for anyone visiting Nairobi and for local tourists as well.

"This museum literally catalogs the birth of Nairobi and Kenya in general. It gives the history of how the Kenya-Uganda railway was built and with it the nation of Kenya defined. It is full of history that every Kenyan should know. You get a chance to see the various train engines used over the years including the hand pushed train wagons," Wahogo says.

A visitor who identifies himself as Gill C from the United Kingdom says that the museum is a fascinating place and should not be missed by visitors to Nairobi. He adds that the memorabilia and photographs of the extraordinary endeavor that building this railway represented, and the hardships of those involved, come to life at the museum.

"Without the supply depot being created here on the way to Uganda, Nairobi as it is today would not exist. Sadly some of the photos and drawings are becoming a little faded with age and could do with some conservation effort before they are lost forever. The rolling stock surrounded by weeds is evocative of a bygone era but open to exploration in a way that would not be possible in a European museum," Gill says.

otiato@chinadaily.com.cn