Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has called for the full transfer of museums and cultural heritage functions to county governments, arguing that devolved units should be empowered with resources and authority to preserve and promote their unique identities and histories.
Speaking during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations with officials from the National Museums of Kenya, the senator said the time had come for counties to fully manage museums as envisioned under the Constitution.
Karungo noted that while the Constitution recognises museums and cultural heritage as devolved functions, many counties still lack adequate support, resources and infrastructure to effectively manage and develop cultural institutions.
“Museums are a devolved function, and therefore counties must not only receive the responsibility, but also the attendant resources, assets and support necessary to preserve and promote their unique heritage, culture and identity,” he stated.
The senator stressed that counties possess diverse histories, traditions and cultural assets that deserve preservation and promotion through modern museums capable of attracting both local and international visitors.
He further challenged the National Museums of Kenya to adopt a more innovative and futuristic approach in museum development, saying museums should not only preserve historical artefacts but also showcase modern technological advancements shaping society today.
According to Karungo, Kenya’s museums must evolve to reflect the country’s growing reputation as a global leader in digital innovation and technology.
He proposed the establishment of modern museums dedicated to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, fintech, digital innovation, gaming, media transformation, smart agriculture, science and technology.
“We can have museums of today. Museums showcasing Artificial Intelligence, robotics, digital innovation, mobile money, fintech, gaming, media evolution, smart agriculture, science and technology. Kenya has become a global digital leader, and our museums should reflect that journey,” he said.
The senator said interactive and technology-driven museums would not only preserve Kenya’s traditional heritage but also inspire young people to embrace innovation and creativity.
He observed that future museums should provide educational experiences that connect Kenya’s historical journey with emerging global trends such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Imagine a child walking into a museum and learning not only about our past civilizations, but also about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the future of humanity,” he remarked.
Karungo urged counties that currently lack museums to prioritise investments in modern cultural and innovation centres capable of supporting tourism, youth empowerment and technological education.
He argued that museums have the potential to become major economic and educational hubs if properly developed and integrated with digital experiences and interactive learning systems.
The senator added that embracing modern museum concepts would help preserve both traditional and digital heritage for future generations while positioning Kenya as a continental leader in cultural innovation.
“Museums should not only tell us where we came from. They should also show us where we are going,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing national conversations on strengthening devolution, preserving Kenya’s cultural identity and leveraging innovation to create new economic opportunities within counties.
