Kenyan historical documents and artifacts can now be accessed online following digitisation of the Kenya National Archives (KNA) by Google.
The initiative, under the Google Cultural Institute, launched Monday provides a platform where the digitised national archives can be available at the click of the button.
The institute to be home to information from Kenya and other African countries like Ethiopia, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria aims at celebrating African heroes, art and culture.
The institute will hold 1,000 archives and artworks as well as 15 exhibits, giving access to the cultural treasures housed by KNA.
Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario said the digitisation would go a long way in promoting Kenya as a tourist destination.
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“Technology plays a great role in promoting culture in the world we live in today. Not only does it help to conserve art and culture in digital forms but also helps for the same to be accessed from any part of the world. This will go a long way in promoting Kenya as a favourable destination,” said Dr Wario.
He said the online platform creates new, interactive and educational ways of storytelling and brings local heritage and history to the fingertips of a global audience.
Having KNA on the Google Cultural Institute platform makes Kenya among the 60 countries, and over 850 cultural institutions on the platform.
Google Country Manager Charles Murito said the online space will not only enable users to discover Kenya’s historical treasures in new ways but also help the cultural sector to make the most of available digital opportunities.
“KNA owns important material that tells a story about periods of time or events that are rarely put on display. This will provide a way through which cultural institutions can tell a story around historical material and bring to life African culture,” said Mr Murito.
The partnership, which is part of Google’s efforts to preserve Africa’s cultural heritage, will also serve to boost the tourism sector by availing novel ways to showcase the country’s culture and history to visitors.
Google Cultural Institute Programme Manager Pierre Caessa said the project is part of the firm’s efforts to preserve the world’s cultural heritage.
