Bomas of Kenya was established by the government of Kenya in 1971. With an overall mandate to preserve, maintain and promote the rich and diverse cultures of the country and to act as a tourist centre. Thus, Bomas of Kenya reserves the authenticity of Kenya’s cultural values and portrays them in their purest form. The word Bomas was derived from “borna” the Swahili word for an enclosed homestead. There are currently different “bomas” representing Kenya’s major indigenous communities.
Daily programme
You cannot afford to miss our most exciting traditional dances and acrobatic shows which start from 2.30pm to 4.00pm during weekdays, and 3.30pm to 5.15pm on weekends and public holidays. Guided tours to the authentic traditional homesteads are conducted before or after the shows.
We perform different traditional dances representing the various indigenous communities of Kenya. Our dance troupe has made several successful international tours to cities in Africa, the United States of America, Europe, France, China and the entire Asian continent. These trips have created a remarkable impact on our cultural tourism promotion programme. The dance troupe is available for both local and international hire. Our schedule includes appearances in theaters, hotels and fairs both local and international.
Bomas of Kenya showcases a variety of artefacts from different tribes of Kenya. These include musical instruments, and traditional regalia.
Traditional Homesteads
Traditional homesteads of the various ethnic groups of Kenya are represented at Bomas of Kenya. These include; The Kikuyu, Luhya. Kalenjin, Taita, Maasai, Luo, Kuria, Kisii, Kamba, Mijikenda, Embu, Meru, Samburu, Turkana, Ilchamus, Teso, Borana, Rendille. Sakuye, Gabra, Somali and the Pokot.
Halls
Bomas of Kenya prides itself as having one of the best auditoriums in the country, accommodating 2,500 people ideal for cultural festivals, theme nights and concerts, conferences, launches and company meetings such as annual general meetings. Over the years, Bomas of Kenya has hosted various events in the same hall for major companies such as Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Co-operative Bank, Barclays Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, Scan Group, Kenya Reinsurance Plaza, M-net sponsored concerts among others. Needless to say, the most remarkable and historical moments of the country such as the process of drafting the 2010 Constitution also known as the Bomas draft process and the March 2013 national tallying of elections was conducted. The centre has a multipurpose hall accommodating 1,500 people and a unique conference centre. We also have other halls for smaller groups. These are against the backdrop of a scenic environment of an indigenous forest, the natural home of various bird species.
With a design inspired by a Maasai manyatta (homestead), the Utamaduni Restaurant’s unique ambience caters for up to 600 people. It serves both Kenyan and international cuisines. The restaurant also holds cultural packages for both dinners and lunches which include dances and acrobats, tours to the traditional homesteads, welcome dances and drinks, cultural attires, traditional buffet meals and much more. One has to experience it.
Other facilities
Wedding packages
Picnic sites
Modern children’s playground
Secure parking for over 3,000 cars
Team building site
Filming sites/locations
How to get to Bomas of Kenya:
It is situated 10km from Nairobi City-centre, and about 1km past the main entrance to the Nairobi National Park, on Lang’ata Road.
Culled from The East African.