Nairobi Railway Museum

A fascinating journey into Kenya’s colonial past, the Nairobi Railway Museum tells the story of the construction of the Uganda Railway—famously nicknamed the “Lunatic Express.” This ambitious railway line played a pivotal role in shaping modern Kenya, opening up the interior and laying the foundations for trade, settlement, and urban growth during the colonial era. The museum offers rich historical context through photographs, documents, and artifacts that detail the challenges, ambitions, and controversies surrounding the railway’s construction. Visitors gain insight into the human stories behind the project, from colonial engineers to African and Asian laborers whose lives were deeply affected by this monumental undertaking. One of the museum’s most striking features is its outdoor collection of decommissioned steam locomotives and railway carriages. These towering machines stand as powerful symbols of industrial heritage, allowing visitors to see, touch, and walk through the trains that once traversed East Africa. Among them is the iconic carriage used in the classic film Out of Africa, adding a cinematic layer to the historical experience. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and train lovers alike, the Nairobi Railway Museum blends education, nostalgia, and storytelling in a uniquely immersive way. It offers not just a look at old trains, but a deeper understanding of how railways helped shape Kenya’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.