National Museums of Kenya and CityBlue Hotels Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Boost Tourism and Cultural Heritage

In collaboration poised to enhance Kenya’s tourism and cultural sectors, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and CityBlue Hotels have announced a dynamic new partnership. This alliance represents a significant step forward in the joint promotion of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and burgeoning tourism industry, leveraging sponsorship, co-branding, and co-marketing strategies to elevate both institutions.

Established by the Museums and Heritage Act of 2006, NMK plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting Kenya’s extensive cultural and natural heritage. Its mandate encompasses collecting, documenting, and studying Kenya’s past and present to foster greater knowledge and appreciation, not only within the country but also globally. This mission is essential for ensuring the sustainable utilization of Kenya’s rich resources for future generations.

CityBlue Hotels, recognized as Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates an expanding network across the continent. With properties in Kenya, including Mombasa, Nairobi, and Lamu, as well as in Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ghana, CityBlue is positioned as a significant player in the hospitality sector. The chain also has collaborative agreements with over twenty hotels in South Africa and Mozambique, underscoring its influential presence in the region.

The partnership between NMK and CityBlue Hotels signifies a robust alliance aimed at merging cultural heritage with tourism. Professor Mary Gikungu, the Director General of NMK, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in a recent statement. She remarked that the partnership represents a meaningful engagement with the private sector, aligning with NMK’s values of conservation and cultural appreciation. “This arrangement is a step for NMK to engage with the private sector with a group that is established, growing, dynamic, and cares, like we do, for the welfare of mankind and the conservation of biological diversity,” said Professor Gikungu. “The story of NMK and our cultural heritage will be enhanced by this collaboration.”

The official signing ceremony of the partnership, attended by key figures including Professor Mary Gikungu and Jameel Verjee, CEO of CityBlue Hotels, marked the beginning of this promising venture. Dr. Fredrick Kyalo Manthi, a renowned palaeontologist and Senior Research Scientist at NMK who recently joined the United States National Academy of Sciences, and Isaiah Nyaega, Legal Officer at NMK, also graced the event, emphasizing the depth of expertise and commitment involved in this initiative.

Jameel Verjee, the Founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership during the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024. “NMK manages many Regional Museums, Sites, and Monuments of national and international importance alongside priceless collections of Kenya’s living cultural and natural heritage,” Verjee stated. “As an institution that must respond to the growing needs of society, NMK is striving to contribute in a unique way to the task of national development and we cannot wait to be a partner of NMK on this journey.”

The collaboration will see both NMK and CityBlue Hotels working together to integrate cultural heritage into the hospitality experience, enhancing the appeal of Kenya as a tourist destination. By promoting NMK’s extensive collection of regional museums and historical sites, the partnership aims to attract more visitors to Kenya, providing them with enriched cultural experiences and contributing to the local economy.

This innovative partnership underscores the potential for cross-sector collaborations to drive cultural preservation and tourism growth. As NMK continues to safeguard Kenya’s heritage and CityBlue Hotels expands its footprint across Africa, their combined efforts will undoubtedly create a vibrant synergy that benefits both the cultural sector and the hospitality industry.

In summary, the alliance between the National Museums of Kenya and CityBlue Hotels marks a transformative step in the promotion of Kenya’s cultural and tourism landscapes. By harnessing the strengths of both institutions, this partnership is set to foster a deeper appreciation of Kenya’s heritage while driving sustainable tourism growth, ultimately benefiting both the country and its visitors.