Bomas of Kenya is a state enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, situated about 10 kilometers from the Nairobi Central Business District. Most Nairobi residents now have easier access to the Bomas of Kenya thanks to the dualization of Lang’ata Road. Its mission statement to “preserve Kenya’s rich and diverse cultures” is clearly stated in the organization’s brochure.
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural tour of Kenya’s most significant ethnic groups, including, to name a few, the Mijikenda, Luo, Taita, Embu, Maasai, Kikuyu, Kamba, Kalenjin, Luhya, Kisii, and Kuria. “Boma” is a term that means “homestead,” You can explore these recreations of traditional villages to learn more about the social organization, arts, music, dance, and other aspects of each tribe.
The Bomas of Kenya were founded in 1971 by the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation with the goal of preserving the traditional traditions of the Kenyan people through local and global awareness and advocacy. The experience is genuinely realistic and comparable to what you’d encounter in Kenya’s outlying villages because the bomas are constructed utilizing the same methods as the native tribes. The venue also includes a huge auditorium, one of the biggest in Africa, with 3,500 seats for spectators to view the celebrated Harambe dancers from across the world.
Over 30 traditional dances from Kenya’s diverse ethnic groups are performed daily, with the Samburu and Maasai warriors’ dances being among the most remarkable. It is also possible to stage performances of music, theater, fashion, poetry readings, sports, seminars, and a range of other events.
You are welcomed by luxuriant and tranquil flora as you make your way from the main entrance to the auditorium. Grazing lazily on the grass are wild hogs from the nearby Nairobi game reserve. Many guests begin by going to the main auditorium, where they can see dance and skits from Kenya’s numerous ethnic groups. On weekdays, the show airs from 2:30 to 4:00 pm, while on weekends, it runs from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
A well-stocked gallery with a diverse array of traditional artifacts on display is located away from the auditorium. There are many ethnic groups’ cookware, furniture, decorations, ornaments, musical instruments, ceremonial attire, and weapons on display.
A tour of the traditional homesteads is a must-do when visiting Kenya’s Bomas. There are 22 homesteads representing different ethnic groups, from the numerous and well-known Luhya and Kalenjin to the less populous and less well-known Sengwer, Sakuye, and Ilchamus, nestled away in a forested area with imposing eucalyptus trees. The arrangement and construction of dwellings in diverse homesteads, as well as the inhabitants and significance of each house in a homestead, can all be seen.
