Plans for the Eldoret City Museum have officially commenced, marking a significant step in establishing the facility as a key tourism product for the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB).

This initiative aims to enhance Eldoret’s cultural and tourism appeal and create a new hub for visitors in the region.

In a meeting held at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK) during a courtesy call to NMK Principal Curator Mwanaima Salim on designs and consultancy services to develop the museum and snake park, CECM for Trade and Tourism Martha Cheruto said the administration is looking forward for a collaboration to develop the museum on cultural and tourism perspective to promote the county on matters tourism, attract more visitors and stimulate revenue.

Cheruto emphasized the county’s commitment to collaborating with NMK to ensure the museum reflects both cultural heritage and tourism interests, ultimately promoting Eldoret as a top destination.

“The museum is a crucial component in making Eldoret a tourism hub, driving more visitors to the region and stimulating economic growth,” Cheruto remarked.

She further noted the urgency of the project, highlighting the importance of establishing the facility in the city, which will significantly contribute to the county’s tourism strategy.

Mwanaima Salim assured the delegation that NMK has the expertise in both design and research to bring Eldoret’s vision of a city museum to life. In the interim, she suggested setting up a smaller, temporary exhibition to build public interest while plans for a larger, permanent museum continue.

“We are fully committed to working with Uasin Gishu County to realize this dream and ensure the museum serves its intended purpose,” said Mwanaima.

She acknowledged Eldoret’s rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage, suggesting that replicating the model used by the Nairobi National Museum would provide a solid foundation for success.

City Manager Tito Koiyet and Chief Officer for Trade, CPA Victorine Kapkiai, echoed the importance of collaborating with local academic institutions and other national agencies in the museum’s design. Koiyet emphasized that under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, cities are mandated to establish tourism attractions, including museums, and Eldoret must comply by offering these services to make the city more effective and attractive to visitors.

As part of their efforts to pick best practices, the team visited several notable facilities, including the Kitui County Snake Park, to gain insights into snake management, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for guidance on the development of animal enclosures, and the Karen Blixen Museum, Stedmak Gardens Animal Zoo, and Giraffe Centre to learn about various aspects of wildlife conservation and tourism management.

The delegation included Directors Margaret Aiyabei(Tourism), Mohamed Dakane (Culture), and Tourism Officer Rael Chepkemboi.