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Regional Museums in E. Marakwet

Tambach Museum: The Long And Short

Considered by itself, Tambach Museum is rather underwhelming. However, in the setting that formed the galvanic history of Tambach it is an interesting offering. Tambach Museum is housed in the former D.C.’s residence, which is a 7-rooms bungalow designed in the same style seen in many of the pioneer buildings at Tambach. Along its walls is a photographic exhibition showcasing Kenya’s rich cultural diversity especially on the heritages of Elgeyo and Marakwet tribes. In addition to its framed cultural history and cultural artefacts, it also exhibits the luring history of the region’s pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence eras.

Conspicuously located along the Tambach shelf, between Elgeyo Escarpment and Kerio Valley, Tambach first gained popularity as the “cliff dwelling of Kenya”, a term coined by the missioner J.A. Massam to depict its peculiar location at the cliff edge. Tambach Centre grew quickly as a result of the Colonial Government moving their administration station, in 1927, from Kamariny to Tambach, from where they administered the Keiyo and Marakwet regions. By 1928, Tambach High School had been completed, pioneering education among the Keiyo. This was quickly followed by Tambach College, dispensaries, road infrastructure and general projects. The road from Kabarnet to Tambach was completed in 1930.

Tambach as the administrative head was marred by multiple setbacks from the onset. Moving the station from Kamariny paved way for the enterprising Keiyo to challenge foreign traders in their region. In turn, Kamariny gradually lost its status as a prime trading centre, with most traders investing at Tambach. The sudden development of Tambach Centre also exacerbated the differences between these two communities, who were never cordial to begin with. At the tailender of the quagmire, the district was declared “closed” and all its visitors had to be vetted. The District Commissioner, then housed at the present-day Tambach Museum, was at the centre of all the bedlam. It is located 10 kms south of Iten Viewpoint.

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The regional museums in Kenya offer a fascinating journey through the country’s history and heritage. They look back at ancient civilizations, cultures as they were centuries ago, cottage industries, colonial legacies, and archaeological finding – in specialization or as a combination – to give insights on the past and present.

Index of Regional Museums in Kenya



Baringo County - Kabarnet Museum, Kipsaraman Museum, Biretwo Museum, Busia County - The Kakapel Cultural Center, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Tambach Museum, Homa Bay County - Abasuba Peace Museum, Kajiado County - Olorgesailie Museum, Kericho County - Fort Tenan Prehistoric Site, Kilifi County - The Gede Ruins, Malindi Museum, Rabai Cultural Landscape, Kisumu County - Kisumu Museum, Lamu County - German Post Office, Lamu Museum, Takwa Ruins, Marsabit County - Desert Museum, Koobi Fora Museum, Meru County - Meru Museum, Njuri Ncheke Museum, Migori County - Thimlich Ohinga, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus Museum, Nairobi County - Karen Blixen Museum, Judiciary Museum, Railway Museum, Nairobi National Museum, Nakuru County - Kariandusi Museum, Hyrax Hill Museum, Nandi County - Koitalel Arap Samoei Museum, Narok County - Narok Museum, Nyeri County - Nyeri Museum, Paxtu House, Samburu County - Kenyatta House Maralal, Trans Nzoia County - Kitale Museum, Wajir County - Wajir Museum, West Pokot County - Kapenguria Museum

Privately Run Museums Around Kenya: Rhodia Mann Museum, Treasures of Africa, The Adamson's Museum, Taita Hills Museum, African Heritage House, Rev. Wray Museum, Maa Museum Enashipai Resort, Swahili House Museum Lamu, Museum of Illusions, Kapkatet Kipsigis Cultural Museum, The Gikuyu Museum, Memorial Peace Museum

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outlook

Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.

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Explore Destinations Near Tambach Museum

A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County



A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet

About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When

44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart: 

Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows

Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

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