Kenya’s National Heritage is manifested in its rich natural, cultural and pre-historic wealth and diversity. The diverse cultures constitute a national asset and have a bearing on the progress of Kenya’s development. The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a state corporation established by an Act of Parliament with a legal mandate for heritage management under the National Museums and Heritage Act 2006. The NMK falls under the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture and is the country’s leading institution and a centre of excellence in delivery of services in the area of natural history and cultural heritage. From its humble beginning NMK has grown over the years into a multi-disciplinary heritage management and research organization of international reputation.
The dynamic environment in which NMK operates has put it under enormous challenges. In particular, there has been a major change in the operating and policy environments as well as advances in science and technology. One of the key changes is the launch of the Kenya Vision 2030 as the Kenya Government’s long-term development blueprint for the country following the expiry of the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERS).
Following the launch of the Vision 2030, the Kenya Government has formulated the first Medium Term Plan for the period 2008-2012 to operationalize the Vision 2030. The NMK and the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture has realigned its functions to respond to Vision 2030. In the international and regional levels, several of NMK’s collaborating partners have revised their strategic plans, indicating areas of future collaboration with the national research systems. Furthermore, promotion of national heritage has gained a higher profile as a strategy for national development.
Taking cognizance of these developments at the national, regional and international levels, NMK has developed this new strategic plan in conformity with new and evolving policies taking advantage of current and emerging opportunities to enhance the organization’s capacity to be proactive. This strategy is aimed at positioning the NMK strategically in facilitating heritage management and socio-economic development of the Kenyan population leading to contribution towards the delivery of the 10 per cent annual economic growth rate envisaged under the economic pillar of the Vision 2030.
The development of this Strategic Plan has been guided by the Vision 2030 and its Medium Term Plan as interpreted by the Research, Innovation and Technology Sector, the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture, the Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant Sectors and Government ministries. The strategy has been developed within the context of the on-going institutional and policy reforms with regards to results based management and the Government’s desire to divest from state corporations. In line with this approach, the strategy has taken into account the achievements and lessons learnt during the past five years of the previous strategy as well as the achievements and lessons learnt during implementation of the just completed ERS. The strategy has incorporated the strategic thrust and the social and economic policy proposals contained in Vision 2030.
There is a realization that to achieve economies of scale, be responsive to customer’s clients demands, and eventually deliver development objectives, there is great need of true partnerships among key stakeholders. In view of this, it is my sincere hope that this Strategic Plan will meet the expectations of the public and NMK stakeholders
Mr. Issa A. Timamy Chairman
Board of Directors National Museums of Kenya.