This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
On November 2, 2019, Google launched a groundbreaking project in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) to digitize and showcase the country's rich cultural heritage.
The project, dubbed 'Utamaduni Wetu: Meet the People of Kenya', aims to promote Kenya's cultural heritage by telling the stories of 28 communities through a digital platform.
According to Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, the project is part of the government's plan to digitize Kenya's key museums, enabling audiences to explore the country's cultural heritage and connect with forgotten social values, beliefs, and customs.
"This will enable audiences to explore the country's cultural heritage, which then provides us with a connection to forgotten social values, beliefs and customs," said Ms. Mohamed during the launch of the project in Nairobi.
The project is expected to encourage real-life visits to Kenya's museums, monuments, and heritage sites, with NMK director-general Mzalendo Kibunja highlighting the importance of showcasing the country's wide range of cultural specimens.
"With the museums of Kenya having over 10 million specimens, this is the best way for us to showcase our wide range of samples around the country," said Mr. Kibunja.
Google Kenya director Charles Murito emphasized the company's commitment to preserving and promoting Kenya's culture, describing the online exhibition as Google Arts and Culture's most ambitious project in the continent to date.
