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Inside Kenya’s Judiciary Museum: a walk through legal history

According to the Judiciary, it is open on weekdays 9am to 5pm and is free to all

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by AMUNGA OBANDA

News29 May 2025 - 15:45
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In Summary


  • The museum stands out in East Africa for its dedication to chronicling Kenya's judicial evolution.
  • Its establishment was inspired by the need to open up the Judiciary to the public, in line with Pillar 1 of the Judiciary Transformation Framework on People-Centredness and Public Engagement.
Sculpture of the Lady Justice balance scale on the wall of the museum at the Supreme Court Building, Nairobi/X


The Judiciary has provided a rare glimpse of its museum situated in Nairobi as it urged Kenyans to visit and explore the country’s justice history, which has evolved over the years.

The museum, opened to the public in June 2016, is situated at the eastern wing of the Supreme Court’s basement building along City Hall Way in Nairobi.

“In Nairobi with a few minutes to spare? Visit the Judiciary Museum in the Supreme Court,” it said in a post. According to the Judiciary, it is open on weekdays 9 am to 5 pm and is free to all.

To visit, however, one is required to book by writing to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.

The museum stands out in East Africa for its dedication to chronicling Kenya's judicial evolution.

Its establishment was inspired by the need to open up the Judiciary to the public, in line with Pillar 1 of the Judiciary Transformation Framework on People-Centredness and Public Engagement.

The Museum, once served as detention cells for political prisoners during the colonial and post-independence eras.

The basement has now been transformed into a space that narrates the story of Kenya's judiciary.

It showcases a range of exhibits, including trial documents of notable figures like freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi.

Sculptures and biographies of past chief justices and artifacts from significant legal cases and reforms.

It also contains photographs that showcase a milestone in the Judiciary system. Over the years, the museum has welcomed a diverse array of visitors, including students, legal professionals, and international dignitaries.

In March 2025, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands toured the museum during their state visit to Kenya, reflecting its significance as a cultural and educational institution.

The Judiciary Museum offers a compelling and informative experience.

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