This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
On November 3, 2019, Google launched a groundbreaking project to digitize and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kenya.
Under the project, dubbed “Utamaduni Wetu: Meet the People of Kenya”, Google will promote Kenya’s cultural heritage by telling the stories of 28 communities.
The project is part of the government’s plan to digitize Kenya’s key museums, as noted by Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.
“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 in Nairobi.
The project aims to encourage real-life visits to Kenya’s museums, monuments, and heritage sites, with over 10 million specimens available for exploration.
“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 NMK director-general Mzalendo Kibunja.
Google Kenya director Charles Murito emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving and promoting Kenya’s culture, highlighting the online exhibition as Google Arts and Culture’s most ambitious project in Africa to date.
