Cradle of Mankind, National Museum

The Origins exhibit at the National Museum of Kenya highlights some the discoveries of the evolution of mankind.  The Black Skull - above - from 1.8 million years ago of an early hominoid.



Exhibit showing primitive ancestors as hunter gathers.

Largest Elephant, National Museum, Nairobi

The great hall of mammals - featuring Ahmed - the huge elephant.  The elephant was guarded 24/7 before he died to preserve his ivory tusks.

Nairobi National Museum, Kenya

We always enjoy visiting museums in the city we are traveling.  But the National Museum of Kenya had many treasures we were interested in learning about.  The African Animals, The Cradle of Civilization and the Cycle of Life were a few of the exhibits we wanted to see.

Below is a stained glass of the Tree of Life showing the birth of mankind in Africa.



The Gourd Tree above.
Ahmed the huge elephant - replica of the elephant but his original skeleton below.


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Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

Trash lines the railroad tracks in Kibera - the second largest slum in Africa.  We visited with Mirror of Hope - a Catholic based charity that works with the women residents of Kibera.  The maise of twisting paths through the shanty town leaves you feeling disoriented and hopeless.  Yet several million call this place home.  Poor living conditions - small shacks, dirt floors, not toilet facilities and crowded homes are found in this slum.  But some living in the countryside of Kenya would rather take a chance at finding an opportunity in the slum than to live in the harsh village conditions in the bush.

The Mirror of Hope guide actually got lost trying to find the home of one of the women in the program.  She had moved recently - he knew the general area, but could not find the right path to turn to get to her home.

We were confronted by one drunk or unhappy man.  He yelled at us.  Even though we were walking with 2 guides and 2 people from the mission it was really uncomfortable.  I felt like we were invading these peoples residence.  But most obvious is that conditions did not change as we ventured down the hillside.  This slum is huge and the conditions are horrible.

Visit to home in Kibera Slum

We did visit one woman.  She was fortunate that she had been able to move into a place with concrete floors and walls.  Her living conditions were so much better because of this structure.  She has a sewing machine that the Mirror of Hope charity had purchased for her.  She made jewelry in her home to sell.

Kiberia Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

We have seen slums in other cities.  We had seen the movie The Constant Gardener which was filmed in Kiebera.  But until we walked into Kiebera - we could not understand.

one million people are rumored to live in Kiebera - the slum surrounding Nairobi.  Raw sewage runs down the side of the hill.  Huge families live in shacks built with scraps of tin and odd lumber.  The Railroad track runs through the heart of the slum.

We are visiting with a community charity "Mirrors of Hope" housed in a nearby Catholic Church.  The organization is trying to help women earn income through making crafts and jewelry in their homes.

The trash was everywhere.  And so many children.  But yet people from the country side continue to stream into Nairobi to live in a slum.  They think it is a better opportunity than living on a farm.

Masai Market, Nairobi West Gate Mall

The West Gate mall housed the Masai market on the upper level.  Display of handicrafts, jewelry and other curios and trinkets to buy!  A fun stop.  Musical performances also occur though out the day.

Added Note:  I am editing this post - This market was in the West Gate mall which was occupied by terrorist and later totally destroyed.  On September 21, 2013, The Islamist group al-Shabaab  terrorists took over the mall and held hostages for over 4 days.  Over 1000 people were in the mall during the attack.  72 were killed.

We had lunch at the Arte café - an upscale restaurant.  Patron's at the café were some of the earliest attacked.  The terrorist members would shoot non Muslims and would allow some of the Muslims to leave.

Kenya National Archives, Nairobi

The treasures of Kenya are housed in the former Bank of India Building which was built in 1906.  Historical photographs, paintings and furnishing are included in the exhibit.  Artifacts from the Joseph Murumbi collection are also housed at the Archives.  We have just visited the National Art Gallery that also featured parts of former Vice President Murumbi's extensive collection.



Soap stone sculpture above.  The Archives also houses a vast number of important documents and over 8000 pre-1900 books.

American Memorial Gardens, Nairobi. Location of American Embassy bombing in 1998

August 7th Memorial Park - commerates the terrorist bomb attack on the U. S. Embassy.  Over 200 people were killed including many innocent bystanders.  A truck of explosives was driven to the embassy.  On the same day the embassy in Das es Salaam, Tanzania was bombed.

We learned about the bombing by touring the museum and watching films.

Nairobi, Kenya. City Center

National Gallery of Kenya, Nairobi

Elaine and Darrell admire the sculpture at the Nairobi National Gallery of Art.

Below are jewelry and costumes - part of the extensive collection of Joseph Murumbi, former Vice President of Kenya.

The Nairobi National Art Gallery

Steve and Darrell are ready to rule the tribe.

We are visiting the National Art Gallery of Nairobi.  Housed in the former Provincial Commissioners office built in 1913.  The African Heritage Exhibit features the collection of  Joseph Murumbi former Vice President of Kenya and native hero.

Textiles, regalia, costumes, sculpture, books are all part of this interesting Treasure House!