One of the core mandates of NMK is Research and collection management. NMK houses one of the most unique and diverse collections in the world. Research collections at NMK which form the Kenya's treasures are identified, preserved and stored in laboratories as national/international repository and reference materials. The users of the collections include scientists, government agencies, Nature and Culture enthusiasts, universities, colleges, schools and general public.

• Gallery collection -  different exhibited dioramas and memorabilia, material culture of the peoples of Kenya etc.
• Preserved Research collection -Include mammals, birds, insects, plants, reptiles, Pre-history collections etc.
• Living Research collection i.e. Botanic Garden with live succulent and orchids collections
• Literature/information collections  i.e. Libraries, Archives and Databases

In order to perform this role effectively, the Directorate of Research and Collections has the following six research departments:

1. Zoology department: under which all zoological research is conducted. The sections in this department are:
   • Mammology
   • Herpetology
   • Ornithology
   • Invertebrate zoology
   • Ichthyology
   • Osteology
2. Botany department : Embracing all plant related research and collection activities. The sections in this department are:
   • Herbarium
   • Botanic Gardens
3. Centre for Biodiversity: covering multi-disciplinary programmes and projects. The sections in this department are:
   • Centre for biodiversity
   • Wetlands and Marine
     
   • Phytochemistry and environment
     
4. Earth Sciences department : embraces all research and activities that are excavation based. The sections in this department are:
   • Palaeontology
   • Palaebotany
   • Palynology
   • Geology
   • Archaeology
     
     For information about permits, rules and regulations click here
      
     
5. Cultural Heritage department: covers all research and collection activities that are cultural, historical and art based.
6. Resource Centre: Packages and manages all resource materials produced or acquired by NMK and disseminates the same to all staff and the public. The sections in this department are:
   
   • Archives
   • Library
   
   PROJECTS

The East African Taxonomic Network (EAFRINET) held its first awareness workshop with government institutions, ministries and international biodiversity organizations at the Nairobi National Museum on Thursday 15^th January 2009.

The workshop aimed at sharing the aims, objectives and expected outcomes of the UVIMA (Swahili acronym for Uchambuzi wa Viumbe kwa Maendeleo Afrika Mashariki) project.  The project aims at mobilizing existing taxonomic information to generate tools and products that will help in the fight against Environmental, Food and Poverty Crises in Africa.

UVIMA brings together experts from agricultural and biodiversity research institutions across the world but with key representations from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The project is supported from the Swedish International Biodiversity (SwedBio) Programme and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

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