Bomas of Kenya
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people” ~ Mahatma Gandhi. Indeed, what could bear more heart and soul than a home, a homestead, a boma? The Bomas of Kenya was established in 1971 with one only one mission, to preserve the richly diverse cultures of the Kenyan people. Since then, it has welcomed over 10 million visitors from all over the world.
How to get to Bomas
The Bomas of Kenya is located in Langata, 12.3km from Nairobi CBD, off Langata road at the overpass opposite Galleria Mall. It can be easily accessed from the CBD by matatu, take bus number 24 at Kencom stage, and ask to alight at Galleria Mall. From the bus stage, you could take a Boda Boda for Kes. 50 which should take you up to the gate at Bomas. Alternatively, taxi services are also available between Kes. 500- 700.
Charges
To access the Bomas of Kenya, you will need to part with the following in Kes:
Citizens:
Adults: 250 Children: 125
Residents:
Adults: 300 Children: 150
Non-residents
Adults: 500 Children: 250
Students can access the venue at the most discounted price of Kes. 100 for college students and Kes.50 for high schoolers and those in primary schools.
What to Expect
Initially meant to showcase a miniature Kenya at a glance, the Bomas of Kenya as an establishment has grown to become so much more. Below are just some of what you can expect when you visit Bomas.
Traditional Kenyan Homesteads (Bomas)
This is the destination’s main attraction, which also gives it its name. You will find beautifully constructed homesteads of some 23 tribes of Kenya. The homes are made as they were in the past, with mud and wooden walls and mostly grass or makuti thatched roofing. Kenya, as with most of Africa, traditionally lived in communities of more than one house per boma (compound). The boma would consist of several huts belonging to the husband, the wives, and the married children. Some tribes also had separate huts for adolescent boys and separate ones for adolescent girls.
Most Kenyan communities were patriarchal and polygamous, so the man, who was the head of the family would have the first hut usually facing the gate, followed (in order of hierarchy) by the 1st wife’s hut, the eldest married son, and so on. A few differences are noted from tribe to tribe. The Agikuyu, for instance, are the Bantus of the Mount Kenya region who were among the few Matriarchal communities in Africa. Their homesteads differ from the Luhya-Bantus from Western Kenya who are strictly Patriarchal. These differences bear witness to the phrase, the beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.
In addition to the Bomas, the establishment has put up a little description of the tribes belonging to each of the homesteads. Information such as where the tribe settled, their economic activities, how they worshipped, if they kept animals, and what sleeping arrangements ensued. The bomas are all so beautiful and unique, making it a great destination for tourists, students, and scholars of history.
While many Kenyans may no longer live in mud or thatched houses, it’s comforting to know a simple visit to the Bomas can provide the much-needed nostalgia of where we come from as a people.
Conferencing Facilities
Bomas of Kenya has one of the largest auditoriums in Africa. Notable world events have been held here. The Commission for the review of our new constitution of Kenya 2010 was housed here, and our Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has verified and announced our national election results in this venue.
The auditoriums are also available for rent for privately organized events. Furthermore, bomas also boast expansive fields and manicured gardens excellent for sporting events as well as garden parties. And at sundown, the well-lit spaces make for a fairy-tale night and memories to last a lifetime. Safaricom Jazz Festivals have been held here, and if you have ever attended any of these concerts at night, you know they are lit.
Authentic Kenyan Cuisine
While at Bomas, please make a point of visiting Utamaduni Restaurant located within the premises. It’s a taste of home away from home. They serve the best Kenyan tea, Nyama Choma (our delicious Kenyan roast meat), Ugali, and Sukumawiki among many others. If you are visiting for the first time, then this restaurant will give you a nice little introduction to our food.
I hope you visit the Bomas, it will be well worth your time.
