The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum in Siaya County, Kenya is set to undergo refurbishment at a cost of approximately US $77, 500 as part of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK)US $19.4m plan to rehabilitate around 100 heritage centers across the country.
This was announced by NMK Regional Coordinator for Antiquities, Sites and Monuments Daniel arap Mitei as he welcomed NMK Managing Director Mzalendo Kibunjia who visited the Jaramogi Museum to inspect the state of the structure.
Mr. Mitei added that so far, they are seeking resources from multilateral donors and line tourism development agencies to cater for the repairs.
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The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum serves as a repository of the country’s political history, as well as a home to numerous artifacts owned by the late first vice president of Kenya during his long political journey.
Some of the exhibits displayed at the museum include Jaramogi’s fly-whisk and old pictures dating back to post-Independence. There is also a briefcase, clothes and ceremonial hats that symbolize the power and traditional authority the first vice president of Kenya had in his days; the famous akala shoes, a goatskin and a bed belonging to Jaramogi.
The facility has been worn out after standing for two decades without a fresh coat of paint or major repairs. President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed that the building be refurbished when he visited Jaramogi’s home at the end of last year.
Other facilities set for a facelift
The other museums set to be repaired alongside Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum include Kabarnet Museum in Baringo town, Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi which is named after the Danish author best known for her memoir Out of Africa, Kenya Railway Museum situated along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi, Hyrax Hill Museum located four kilometers from Nakuru town, Narok Museum and Kariandusi Museum located along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
