Architects are Gathering for Heritage Talks Series at Nairobi Railway Museum on June 18

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) will hold the second session of its Architectural Heritage Talks Series on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Nairobi Railway Museum under the theme “Histories that Shape our Cities.”

Three prominent speakers will present followed by moderated discussion. Prof. Robert A. Obudho will examine pre-colonial African urbanism. Prof. Jason Mochache will address colonial planning and its urban legacy. Plan. Christine Muchiri will discuss post-independence urbanization and informality.

Arch. Mumbua Musyimi will moderate the session. The afternoon begins with a guided tour of the Nairobi Railway Museum, allowing participants to engage directly with Kenya’s rail heritage before the talks.

The series offers valuable continuing professional development. Attendees can earn 2 CPD points from BORAQS and 1 CPD point from PPPRB.

Charges are set as follows: AAK members pay KSh2,500, non-members KSh3,500, and students KSh1,000. Slots are limited and participants are encouraged to register early.

Registration is available via the AAK member portal at https://members.aak.or.ke/eventdetailv2?eid=e3k+DBpNYOXPs8qslQG3HA== or by scanning the QR code on the official poster. For enquiries, contact AAK on 0721691337 or aak@aak.or.ke.

The Nairobi Railway Museum provides an ideal backdrop. Its historic locomotives and exhibits illustrate the role of infrastructure in urban development, tying directly into the day’s discussions on pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence planning.

Such events bring together architects, planners, engineers and other built environment professionals to reflect on how historical forces continue to influence contemporary urban challenges. Topics like informality, legacy planning decisions and sustainable city growth remain highly relevant as Kenya expands its cities and infrastructure.

The first session in the series attracted strong participation. This follow-up extends the conversation with fresh expert perspectives and practical insights applicable to ongoing projects across the country.