Historical documents go online

Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario (right) is conducted on a tour by Allan Donnovan an art and culture enthusiast during the launch of a digitizing process at the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi on October 12, 2015. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • It was launched to coincide with the Mashujaa Day celebrations, said Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario.
  • Users will learn the history and culture of Kenya and other African countries such as Ethiopia, Madagascar, the Congo and Nigeria.
  • Google Country Manager Charles Murito said: “The online exhibitions provide a way through which cultural institutions can tell a story around historical material.”

A digital version of the Kenya National Archives has been launched.

This has been done in collaboration with Google Cultural Institute. Scholars and the public will now view historical documents and artefacts online.

It was launched to coincide with the Mashujaa Day celebrations, said Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario.

Users will learn the history and culture of Kenya and other African countries such as Ethiopia, Madagascar, the Congo and Nigeria.

“Technology plays a great role in promoting culture in the world we live in today. This will go a long way in promoting Kenya as a favourable destination,” said Dr Wario.

Google Country Manager Charles Murito said: “The online exhibitions provide a way through which cultural institutions can tell a story around historical material.”

The Kenya National Archives holds over 40,000 public records and is home to the Murumbi Gallery, the largest Pan-African art gallery in Africa.

The archives mobile app is available on Google’s Play Store while the contents are on: www.google.com