Kenya, Google embark on massive digitisation project

Kenya, Google embark on massive digitisation project

Through a partnership between the Kenyan government and Google, the East African country's national archives, documents and relics can now be accessed through a digital platform.

The national archives is home to millions of historic documents and material, including history, art and cultural symbols that tell the story of Kenya, all of which can now be accessed through a mobile application.

The main building is situated in the heart of Nairobi and now users outside the capital can access and browse items via the app.

"We've partnered with the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Centre to extend its efforts to preserve Africa's cultural heritage. The result is the outcome of one of Google Cultural Institute's biggest digitisation projects on the continent," Charles Murito, Google Kenya country manager said in a post.

Currently users will be able to view 8 curated exhibitions on the platform and 1,000 items.

"In this digital era, keeping with technologies can be a great advantage," the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Hassan Wario said during the launch event.

"Today's launch will give the Kenya national archives the opportunity to bring to the forefront the role played by technology, in showcasing Kenya's and Africa's rich culture," he said.

The project aims to also digitise the 22,400 boxes each housing over 2,000 documents.

"Whether it's highlighting the history of Lagos, helping the world retrace the steps of Nelson Mandela or preserving the diversity of dazzling African ceremonies, Google's Cultural Institute is helping to preserve and tell the story of Africa on a global scale. We are excited that users will be able to easily access these, and more, artefacts, stories and history of Kenya and the continent," Murito said.

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