Governor Nanok Cries Foul Over Ksh.8.2Billion Museum Project

An artistic display of an entrance walkway to Ngaren Museum.
An artistic display of an entrance walkway to Ngaren Museum.
File
Studio Libeskind

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok on Thursday, October 22, cried foul over the alleged transfer of Ksh.8.2 Billion museum project to Kajiado county.

The Ngaren museum which was commissioned by paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey was set to be built in Turkana according to initial plans.

The construction of the new Ksh8.2 billion museum is now set to be done in Loodariak, Kajiado county to boost knowledge on human evolution.

File image of former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok
File image of former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok
Daily Nation

The move to switch locations of the multi-billion museum has rubbed Nanok the wrong way as he claimed that the project is riddled with corruption.

"This is a public asset mooted and was to be erected in Turkana County since 2016 and be co-owned (government, communities and private sector (Dr Leakey).

"Lots of work went into its early planning and funds were raised too, only for it to be diverted to private land. This is corruption," noted Nanok.

The museum is now set to be constructed on 300 acres donated by Dr Leakey and his wife Maeve in honour of the family’s discovery of the best-preserved fossils of man's ancient ancestors.

According to the designs, the museum stands 80 metres tall with the iconic structure inspired by ancient hand axes and other primitive tools. 

Dr. Leakey highlighted what the museum represents to humanity.

"Ngaren museum represents a celebration of the beginning of all humanity, of life and its amazing biodiversity. It is dedicated to educating humankind on our shared past and tells the story of our common ancestry, our epic journey of evolution," he said.

The design was developed by Daniel Libeskind, an architect who also built the iconic World Trade Center in New York, US.

Construction is set to begin later in 2020 and is expected to be ready for use in 2026, presenting over two million years of human history.

Aside from the museum, the structure will also house partner institutions, a restaurant, conference rooms and a small amphitheatre to host events such as social, business, and family gatherings.

Ngaren Museum interior.
Ngaren Museum interior.
File
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