The Malindi Museum has launched a month-long exhibition to celebrate sustained relations between Kenya and Germany.
The exhibition, which opened two weeks ago, has attracted local and international visitors, including school children eager to learn about the longstanding friendship between the two nations, museum officials said.
Museum curator Doris Kamuye said the exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Kenya and Germany's cooperation since 1963.
"We’re delighted to host an exhibition celebrating 60 years of friendship between Germany and Kenya. Since launching two weeks ago, we’ve welcomed over 1,500 visitors," Kamuye said.
Enthusiasts can view photographic displays chronicling the terms of all five of Kenya's presidents since independence, as well as key areas of Kenya-Germany collaboration.
The curator emphasised Germany's significant contribution to Kenya’s development, noting that the European nation was the first foreign government to congratulate Kenya after its independence.
This gesture is symbolised by Germany’s diplomatic licence plates, which bear the number CD1 (Cooperation Development Number 1).
The museum has initiated a community learning programme inviting seven schools to participate.
"This exhibition is an important focus as we assess how school children understand this kind of international collaboration," Kamuye said.
In addition to the temporary exhibition, the museum offers daily access to its permanent cultural exhibitions.
Visitors can explore several historical sites with a single ticket, including the Vasco Da Gama Pillar, the House of Columns, the Malindi Museum and the Portuguese Chapel.
Nassir Makuresh, a longtime resident, thanked the German government for bringing the exhibition to Malindi.
Speaking in German, a language he picked up, Makuresh, urged locals to take time to visit the museum and learn about the rich history it holds.
Makuresh recalled the influx of German tourists in the 1970s, particularly at hotels like Blue Marlin, Lawford’s and Eden Rock.
"We should strengthen our collaboration with Germany. I encourage the Ministry of Tourism to ensure we continue attracting German visitors as we did in the past," he said.