Parliament Gives Ministry Four Months To Present Roadmap For Delayed Science Museum Project

The Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children’s Services has been given four months by the National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation to present a clear roadmap for establishing Kenya’s first Science Museum.

The directive follows a House resolution passed in November 2024 that called for the creation of a national science museum, based on a Motion sponsored by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie. The Motion aligns with Article 11(2)(b) of the Constitution, which obligates the State to promote science and indigenous technologies as part of national development. It also supports Kenya’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes integration of science, technology, and innovation.

During a meeting with the Committee, chaired by Mandera South MP Abdul Haro, Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo and Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir were put to task over the lack of progress in implementing the project.

MPs expressed disappointment after it emerged that the Ministry had neither identified land for the museum, secured funding, nor held any stakeholder consultations.

“Honourable CS, it is clear you were not prepared for this meeting. There’s no budget allocation, no site, and no records of any engagements with relevant stakeholders. We would rather reschedule this meeting and have you return with a comprehensive plan,” said Chairperson Haro.

He criticized the Ministry for allowing delays that have left Kenya trailing behind countries like Ethiopia and South Africa, which have already established similar museums.

“This project is not just symbolic; it supports innovation, research, and scientific literacy—key drivers of economic growth,” he added.

Nandi County MP Cynthia Muge questioned why the Ministry had failed to include the science museum in the latest Budget Policy Statement, despite the urgency the House had attached to the project.

“I supported this Motion with the expectation that the Ministry would act quickly. It is disappointing to see it was not even considered in this year’s budget planning,” she said.

Bureti MP Komingoi Kibet asked whether any feasibility study had been conducted or Cabinet approval sought.

“We are here to assess progress, not promises. This report does not reflect any steps taken so far,” he said.

West Pokot MP Rael Kasiwai also criticized the Ministry for not presenting a detailed budget with proper Bills of Quantities.

“The figures presented are estimates, not actual costs. That shows the Ministry has not taken this seriously. If a proper proposal had been submitted, it could have been considered for funding,” she said.

In her response, CS Cheptumo acknowledged the delay and promised that the Ministry would start stakeholder consultations within three months to prepare a Cabinet Memo. She estimated the cost of the project to be between Sh5 billion and Sh10 billion.

“The museum will be self-sustaining through ticket sales, lettable space, exhibitions, virtual tours, and training services,” she said.

She appealed to MPs to support the initiative when the Ministry brings a formal budget proposal to Parliament.

“With rapid technological advancements, this facility is essential to preserve Kenya’s scientific heritage and promote innovation. The only missing link now is funding,” she added.