Kenya to build human origins museum and science park in Turkana County

The government has announced the establishment of a world-class human origins museum and science park in Turkana County, aiming to celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Speaking on Tuesday during the official opening of the 9th edition of the Tobong’u Lore, the Turkana Cultural Festival, President William Ruto said the project, already in the conceptual stage, will position the country as a global hub for the study of human origins and boost tourism in the region.

“Feasibility studies are currently underway that will culminate in the establishment of this great institution in Turkana County. Upon completion, this museum and science park will transform the region into a global hub for scientists, tourists and investors, and indeed for all those interested in human origins,” Ruto said.

He highlighted Turkana County’s global significance, terming it the true “Home of Humankind” due to its rich archaeological and cultural treasures.

The festival brings together various pastoralist communities from northern Kenya and neighbouring counties, including West Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo and Laikipia, as well as cross-border communities such as the Karamojong, Toposa, Didinga and Dasenatch from Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

“This festival serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the region’s unique cultural identity, traditions, and practices. By leveraging the festival’s visibility, it attracts both local and international visitors, elevating Turkana’s profile on the global cultural tourism map,” he said.

The President urged the county to enhance marketing efforts, partnerships with travel agencies and promotional campaigns to showcase the region’s attractions.

Emphasising the importance of culture, he said, Kenya’s cultural diversity is one of the country’s greatest strengths.

”Our traditions, languages, music, crafts and indigenous knowledge systems are living assets that must be protected, promoted and harnessed for development. The government believes that culture and heritage are central to building a united, vibrant, and prosperous Kenya,” he said.

He added that culture is deliberately anchored within the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, recognising it not only as a source of identity and cohesion but also as a driver of jobs, enterprise and inclusive economic growth.

The Head of State also announced that the government is implementing the National Culture and Heritage Policy and the National Music Policy, guided by Kenya’s commitments under the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“Across the country, we are supporting the documentation and digitisation of living heritage so that our cultures are preserved and transmitted to future generations,” he said.

In Turkana, he said, the commitment is reflected in the promotion of iconic cultural and heritage sites such as the Namorotunga archaeo-astronomical site in Kalokol, traditional Turkana homesteads, and the rich oral traditions, music, and pastoral knowledge systems of the region.

President Ruto noted that at the recently concluded UNESCO 2003 Convention Intergovernmental Committee Meeting in New Delhi, India, the Mwazindika Spiritual Dance of the Dawida Community was listed on the Convention List of Elements in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, which will draw global attention and boost tourism potential.

To support tourism and trade, the President said the government is investing in strategic infrastructure projects that open up Turkana, including improving key road corridors linking the county to West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit; developing Lodwar Airport; and enhancing Lake Turkana fisheries infrastructure, such as the Kalokol fish landing and cold-chain facilities.

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• African heritage
• museum
• African festivals
• African tourism
• Human origins
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Collaboration between national and county governments is also being strengthened to integrate culture, tourism and heritage into County Integrated Development Plans, ensuring these investments contribute to economic growth, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

He also highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing climate change and environmental challenges, noting the administration’s commitment to integrating these insights into national strategies on climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and adaptation.

As he officially opened the 9th edition of Tobong’u Lore, President Ruto called on all stakeholders, including national and county governments, elders, cultural practitioners, the private sector and development partners, to safeguard heritage and ensure it delivers tangible benefits to communities.

“Let us celebrate our diversity, strengthen our unity, and build a future where culture, tourism and enterprise work together to transform lives,” he said.