Nairobi Railway Museum – Kenya’s Journey Through Time on Rails

Located in the heart of Kenya’s capital, just next to Nairobi’s main railway station, the Nairobi Railway Museum stands as a living testament to the country’s transport and colonial history. It’s one of the few museums in Africa dedicated entirely to the story of railways — showcasing the engineering marvels, challenges, and cultural shifts that shaped Kenya’s journey from the early 1900s to modern times.

Three black steam locomotives on parallel tracks under a blue sky, sign reads "Railway Museum," surrounded by trees and city

A Glimpse Into History

The Nairobi Railway Museum was established in 1971 by the East African Railways Corporation. It was created to preserve the historical artifacts, locomotives, and stories of the Uganda Railway, a monumental project that connected the port of Mombasa to Kisumu on Lake Victoria between 1896 and 1901.

The railway played a central role in Kenya’s development — from transporting goods and people to fostering the growth of towns like Nairobi, which began as a simple railway depot. However, it also carries a complex legacy, tied to colonial labor, wildlife conflicts, and the transformation of East Africa’s landscape.

Location and Accessibility

The Nairobi Railway Museum is conveniently located near the Nairobi Railway Station, just a short walk from the Kenya Railways headquarters and a few minutes from the Central Business District (CBD).

It’s easily accessible by car, taxi, or even a short walk from key landmarks such as the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) or the Nairobi National Archives.

The museum is open daily, including weekends, making it a perfect half-day activity for history lovers, families, and photographers.

Vintage steam locomotive on tracks, emitting black smoke. Rustic setting with rocks and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

What to See at the Nairobi Railway Museum

1. The Main Exhibition Hall

The museum’s main building houses an extensive collection of photographs, maps, and documents detailing the construction and expansion of the railway system in East Africa. Visitors can trace the evolution of the rail network and view personal belongings of railway engineers, old tickets, telegraph machines, and early communication equipment.

Display boards also tell stories of the railway’s early workers — including the thousands of Indian laborers (the “coolies”) who helped construct the line through treacherous terrain, enduring disease, wild animals, and harsh conditions.

2. Historic Locomotives

Outside the main hall, the museum’s open-air yard showcases a remarkable collection of old steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Many of these trains were once operational on routes across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Among them are:

• The Class 301 Steam Locomotive – Built in 1923 and among the first to operate on the Kenya–Uganda line.

• The “Safari Trains” that once carried colonial settlers and explorers into the interior.

• Freight and passenger carriages with preserved interiors, showing how travelers once crossed the savannah.

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Visitors can even climb inside some locomotives and carriages, offering a hands-on experience of vintage railway travel.

3. The Man-Eaters of Tsavo Locomotive

One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is Locomotive No. 301, which pulled the train involved in the legendary “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” incident in 1898.

During the construction of the railway bridge over the Tsavo River, two maneless lions repeatedly attacked workers, killing more than 100 people. The event became one of the most terrifying episodes in railway history and inspired the Hollywood film “The Ghost and the Darkness.”

Seeing the actual engine connected to that story brings the legend vividly to life.

4. Vintage Railway Coaches and Wagons

Visitors can explore restored passenger coaches and freight wagons that once served colonial officials, explorers, and traders. Some carriages have private cabins and dining compartments, revealing the luxury and hardship of travel in early 20th-century East Africa.

There’s also the Governor’s Coach, used by high-ranking officials, complete with plush seats and ornate woodwork — a fascinating contrast to the open freight cars used by workers and goods.

5. Miniature Models and Railway Artifacts

Inside the museum, miniature models display Kenya’s rail network and key routes from Mombasa to Kisumu and beyond. These maps help visitors understand how the railway spurred the growth of major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Also on display are:

• Old signals and communication devices

• Railway uniforms and badges

• Tools used for track maintenance and repair

• Historic photographs of bridges, tunnels, and stations

Each piece offers a unique glimpse into how the railway shaped Kenya’s identity as a transport hub.

Cultural and Educational Value

The Nairobi Railway Museum is more than a showcase of trains — it’s a story of human ingenuity, endurance, and cultural change. It tells how the railway brought different communities together, enabled trade, and laid the foundation for modern Kenya.

For students and researchers, the museum serves as a valuable educational resource. Guided tours are available, and school groups often visit to learn about the intersection of technology, history, and colonial heritage.

Photography and Film

The museum is a favorite among photographers, filmmakers, and history enthusiasts. Its blend of industrial nostalgia, vintage locomotives, and rustic railway setting creates a cinematic atmosphere.

Many Kenyan filmmakers and artists have used the museum as a backdrop for documentaries, fashion shoots, and heritage storytelling projects.

Nearby Attractions

If you’re visiting the museum, you can easily combine it with nearby attractions:

• Nairobi National Museum – for broader Kenyan history and culture.

• Uhuru Park – a great spot for relaxation nearby.

• KICC Rooftop Deck – for panoramic views of Nairobi city.

• Nairobi Railway Station – still operational, with modern trains connecting to Mombasa via the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway).

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Entrance Fee: Around KSh 200–400 (subject to change)

• Photography Fee: May apply for professional cameras

• Facilities: Restrooms, small gift shop, and ample parking

Travel Tips

• Visit in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk between outdoor locomotives.

• Bring a camera — the rusted engines, old tracks, and vintage colors make for beautiful photos.

• Ask for a guided tour — staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the railway’s history.

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Why Visit the Nairobi Railway Museum

The Nairobi Railway Museum is a destination where Kenya’s past meets its progress. It celebrates the railway’s impact on trade, migration, and modernization — while preserving the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who built it.

Whether you’re a history lover, engineer, or simply curious traveler, the museum’s locomotives and archives transport you back to the era that shaped modern East Africa.