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August 7th Memorial Park Nairobi Visitor Guide
The August 7th Memorial Park stands at the intersection of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi on the site of the 1998 United States Embassy bombing. International visitors pay a 200 KES entry fee for access to both the Peace Memorial Museum and the manicured gardens which offer a rare pocket of silence in the city center. This location marks a pivotal moment in Kenyan history, as the blast resulted in 218 fatalities and thousands of injuries across the surrounding city blocks.
Historical Context and the Peace Memorial Museum
The park occupies the footprint of the former American Embassy, which was destroyed by a truck bomb on a Friday morning in August. Unlike typical tourist sites, this space functions primarily as a place of remembrance and education regarding the impact of terrorism on ordinary citizens. The granite memorial wall serves as the focal point of the grounds, listing the names of all victims alphabetically—a layout that emphasizes the scale of the tragedy through sheer repetition.
Inside the Museum Exhibition
The Peace Memorial Museum is housed in a small building at the rear of the property and contains artifacts salvaged from the rubble of the Ufundi House and the embassy. You will see twisted metal, scorched office supplies, and a collection of newspaper clippings from the days following the event. A short documentary film plays on a loop in the small theater area—most visitors find that watching this ten-minute video provides the necessary context to understand why the park remains such a sensitive and revered location for Nairobi residents.
The Symbolism of the Memorial Wall
The wall itself is constructed from stone and stands near a circular fountain that provides a constant background noise of running water. This sound is intentional—it helps to drown out the heavy traffic noise from the Haile Selassie Avenue overpass and the nearby bus terminals. If you look closely at the inscriptions, you will notice that the victims came from many different backgrounds, reflecting the diverse population of the city at the time of the explosion.
Practical Navigation of the Grounds
Entering the park requires passing through a security checkpoint where bags are scanned and visitors are screened. The ticket booth is located immediately after security, and while cash is accepted, using M-Pesa is often faster if you have a local SIM card. The grounds are relatively small—roughly the size of a city block—so you do not need more than an hour to see everything thoroughly.
Finding a Moment of Quiet
While the park attracts many people during the lunch hour, the corners furthest from the Moi Avenue gate offer the most peace. These grassy areas are meticulously maintained and provide a sharp contrast to the concrete density of the Central Business District. I recommend sitting near the back of the garden where the shade from the mature trees is thickest during the afternoon heat. A small cafe called The Mug operates on the premises—their coffee is surprisingly good and it is a much calmer environment for a break than any of the street-level shops outside the gates.
Photography and Conduct
Photography is generally permitted within the outdoor sections of the park, but taking photos inside the museum is often restricted depending on the current exhibits. Security guards are present throughout the grounds and are usually helpful with directions, though they are quite strict about maintaining a respectful environment. You should avoid loud conversations or running, as many people visit the park specifically to pray or reflect near the memorial wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for the August 7th Memorial Park?
Non-resident adults are charged 200 KES for entry, while Kenyan citizens pay a reduced rate of 100 KES. These fees include access to both the memorial gardens and the Peace Memorial Museum exhibits.
What are the opening hours for the memorial park?
The park is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Arriving before 10:00 AM is recommended if you want to avoid the crowds that gather during the lunch hour.
How much time should I spend at the park?
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and one hour exploring the site. This allows for roughly 20 minutes in the museum, 10 minutes to watch the documentary, and time to walk through the gardens and view the memorial wall.
Is the August 7th Memorial Park safe for tourists?
The park is one of the more secure public spaces in downtown Nairobi due to the gated entry and mandatory security screenings. It provides a safe environment for visitors to step away from the chaotic streets of the city center for a short period.
Operators offering tours in Kenya
Reviews of August 7th Memorial Park
Charles Burks - 5
The simultaneous US Embassy bombings in both Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam on August 7, 1998 is thoughtfully remembered in the Memorial Park with personal stories, artifacts and footage. Highly recommend visiting as a somber historical reflection.
Wanga Wanga - 5
The August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi stands as a poignant tribute to the victims of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing, serving both as a place of remembrance and a symbol of resilience and peace. --- 🕊️ A Place of Reflection and Remembrance Located at the intersection of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi's Central Business District, the park occupies the former site of the U.S. Embassy, which was destroyed in the terrorist attack on August 7, 1998. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 218 people and injured over 4,000 others. In 2001, the site was transformed into a memorial park to honor the victims and educate the public about the consequences of terrorism. --- 🌿 Features of the Memorial Park Memorial Wall: A granite wall inscribed with the names of all 218 victims, serving as the park's central feature. Peace Memorial Museum: Located within the park, the museum offers exhibits, photographs, and a 15-minute documentary detailing the events of the bombing and its aftermath. Mind, Body & Spirit Sculpture: A poignant piece crafted from debris of the blast, symbolizing resilience and the human spirit. Indigenous Gardens: The park features lush gardens with plants and rocks sourced from various parts of Kenya, representing national unity and the widespread impact of the tragedy. Yin-Yang Fountain: A central fountain designed in the shape of the Yin-Yang symbol, embodying balance and harmony. --- 🕒 Visitor Information Park Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Museum Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sundays and public holidays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Entry Fees: Park: Ksh 50 per person. Museum: Ksh 50 for students, Ksh 100 for residents, and Ksh 150 for non-residents. Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park, making it a suitable spot for relaxation and reflection. --- 📍 Getting There The park is easily accessible from various parts of Nairobi: Walking: Approximately a 6-minute walk from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. Public Transport: Matatus heading towards City Square can drop you near Moi Avenue; from there, it's a short walk to the park. Boda Boda: Motorcycle taxis are available throughout the city and can provide direct transport to the park's entrance. --- 🎟️ Hosting Events Beyond its role as a memorial, the park offers facilities for various events: Conference Facilities: The Nelson Mandela Boardroom and the Wangari Maathai Conference Room are equipped for meetings and workshops. Event Venue: The serene environment is suitable for exhibitions, photography sessions, music concerts, corporate events, and weddings. --- 🌟 Why Visit? The August 7th Memorial Park serves as a powerful reminder of the past while promoting peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. Its tranquil gardens and informative exhibits offer a space for reflection and learning, making it a significant landmark in Nairobi. --- For more information or to plan your visit, you can contact the park at: Phone: +254 722 323 302 / +254 727 121 004 Email: [email protected] Website: memorialparkkenya.org
Peace Lucky - 4
Its a great place to pay homage to those we lost during the 1998 bomblast. The entrance fee is about 50/= and they also have conference rooms that can be used.
Steve P - 5
Located at the "corner" of a busy roundabout is located a small gated park. Surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The site of the old US embassy partially destroyed during the '98 bombing attack. The majority of the dead were Kenyans working in the building next door, which was levelled to the ground. The embassy site was demolished and this park was donated as a memorial to the 200+ perished. However there were thousands injured who still live with the after effects. Entrance fee is 50 KS...which includes the maintenance fees for upkeep. It's mostly benches around a grassy knoll with the view of a memorial with names of the perished. The small museum next door also has a nominal fee of 150 KS. The small museum has a small collection of artifacts from the victims and a small room describing the events of that day. There's a 15 minute video as well which is pretty informative. Overall I spent 45 minutes at the location to pay respect to the fallen.
susan amran - 4
A small park with trees, benches and well kept grass to sit and relax. All the trees are indigenous trees and they have all been labelled if you enjoy learning about trees. The benches all have a saying in one of the many local languages. The pavements are surrounded by pebbles that were got from local rivers around the country. All these is symbolic to the unity all Kenyans showed on that fateful day. There is the memorial wall on one corner of the park with the names of all those who perished and in front of it is a small fountain in the yin and yang shape. You can use the park to relax, read, meet up in a safe space or even yoga in the morning. The entrance fee is KES50 and they only accept cash. Everyone at the park is very helpful. If you are around the area do stop by. The money you pay goes to the maintenance of the park as well as to pay the workers. I wish it was bigger to get in a good walk. This is not a walking park but more of a sitting park. The peace museum is also accessed through the park.
