Nairobi Railway Museum: The Nostalgia Express Where Iron Horses Of Yesteryears Flaunt Their Vintage Charm

In a delightful twist that left many scratching their heads and their GPS devices recalculating, NCBA Bank opted for the Nairobi Railway Museum as the stage for their 2025 Education Cheque Handover ceremony.

Nestled inconspicuously within the city’s vibrant tapestry, this venue choice was as unexpected as finding a vintage steam engine in your backyard. Yet, it resonated perfectly with the bank’s mantra: Go For It.

Now, let’s talk about the Nairobi Railway Museum—a hidden gem so well-concealed that even Google Maps throws up its virtual hands in defeat. My own digital navigator spun in circles, perhaps questioning its very existence. In the end, I surrendered to the analog method: seeking directions from the ever-reliable ‘sojas’ (security guards). With the sun blazing overhead, I embarked on my urban safari, arriving drenched in sweat and shimmering like a well-polished black mamba.

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Upon arrival, it was evident that the party had already started. From afar, the unmistakable figure of John Gachora, NCBA Bank’s Managing Director, stood out. This is a man who could probably mingle with a lamppost and make it feel special. His passion was palpable, engaging with attendees as if each conversation held the secret to the universe.

NCBA MD John Gachora during the 2025 Education Cheque Handover Ceremony at Nairobi Railway Museum

But back to our elusive museum. Tucked away on Workshop Road, just off Haile Selassie Avenue, it’s the kind of place you’d only find if you were specifically searching for it—or perhaps looking for a clandestine meeting spot. For those whose navigational skills are as questionable as mine, here’s a layman’s guide: it’s right behind Pastor Ng’ang’a’s Neno Evangelism Centre. Yes, that one. So, if you hit the church, you’ve gone too far; if you’re lost, just follow the hymns.

The place is a nostalgia express where iron horses of yesteryears proudly flaunt their vintage charm. Established in 1971, this treasure trove offers a first-class ticket to Kenya’s rail heritage, showcasing relics from the defunct East African Railways. From steam locomotives that once chugged through savannahs to the elegant carriages that carried dignitaries, the museum is a testament to an era when rail was the lifeline of East Africa.

One of the iconic iron horses that used to roar through the hills and valleys of Kenya back in the day.

Visitors can marvel at the eclectic collection housed within the old railway building, featuring train and ship models, photographs, and even tableware from the golden age of rail travel. For those with a penchant for the peculiar, there’s the infamous engine seat that allowed dignitaries like Theodore Roosevelt to aim at wildlife from the comfort of a moving train. The outdoor yard is a playground for history buffs, with locomotives in various states of vintage splendor, each whispering tales of journeys past.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a history aficionado, or simply in search of a unique Nairobi adventure, the Nairobi Railway Museum promises a journey back in time without leaving the city limits. It’s a delightful detour where the past is always on track, and the next stop is a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s rich railway legacy.

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