Kenya’s national museums have taken a major step towards digitalisation, introducing a new online ticketing system designed to simplify access and reduce delays at entry points.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) says the system will make it easier for visitors to plan their trips and complete payments quickly across the country’s heritage sites.
NMK has reminded the public that any tickets bought before the digital platform launch must be used within 30 days.
Starting immediately, all future visits to participating museums will require online booking through the eCitizen portal.
“The new system takes effect immediately, and any previously purchased tickets must be used within 30 days from the date of this notice. Tickets to the above-listed sites can be accessed through: nmkpay.ecitizen.go.ke,” the notice reads.
The platform is already active at six major sites: Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Fort Jesus National Monument, Malindi Museum, and Gedi National Monument.
NMK emphasised that manual payment options have been discontinued at these locations, and all tickets must now be bought digitally.
“All other stations will be onboarded to the new system gradually,” the notice added.
Future sites scheduled for the phased rollout include Lamu Museum, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum, Kisumu Museum, Kitale Museum, Meru Museum, Narok Museum, Kabarnet Museum, Kapenguria Museum, Kariandusi Museum, Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, Rabai Museum, Thimlich Ohinga, Jumba la Mtwana, Siyu Fort, Takwa Ruins, Koobi Fora, Nyeri Museum, and Wajir Museum.
Visitors can acquire tickets by logging in to nmkpay.ecitizen.go.ke. The process involves selecting the type of ticket, single or combined for museum, snake park, and aquarium—entering visitor information, specifying citizenship and residential details, and choosing the date of visit.
Buyers must also indicate whether the ticket is for an individual or an institution.
Payments are processed under the Nairobi National Museum Bill slot, and users must accept the terms and conditions before clicking “pay for museum” to complete the transaction.
NMK reminded the public that tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and must be presented alongside a National ID at the entry point.
The move aligns with broader government efforts to modernise heritage management, improve revenue collection, and provide a seamless experience for tourists and local visitors across Kenya.
By fully digitising ticketing, NMK aims to streamline operations while ensuring better planning and security at the country’s museums and historical sites.
