Of Memories and Reels: A Study of the State of Kenya's Audio Visual Archives

This report presents a detailed exploration of the state of Audio Visual Archives in Nairobi and by extension, Kenya, taking us through the complexities of preserving and digitizing our cultural heritage that is stored in legacy audiovisual formats.

Conducted over a period of four months, the research delves into the multifaceted landscape of archival practices, drawing insights from field visits, stakeholder consultations, and academic literature reviews.

At the heart of this study lies the recognition of the profound impact of socio-political factors on archival practices. The report spotlights how the lingering legacies of colonialism continue to influence the archival landscape, with many institutions grappling with narratives framed through a colonial lens. Additionally, we see the absence of clear protocols, leading to subjective decision-making among archivists, thus resulting in biased representations of history.