In this article, we look at Kenyatta University (KU) Campanile, an iconic university museum. Kenyatta University Campanile displays the tallest clock tower owned by a university in East Africa and Central Africa. Opened on 1st June 2015 and strategically located on the main campus, the Kenyatta University (KU) Campanile is a unique bell tower that houses a museum and archival materials of the University’s history, heritage, and culture that makes it a resource centre for researchers.
The KU Campanile was initiated and was a personal dream come true by the then former Kenyatta University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Olive Mugenda who felt that world-class Universities are not only made of classrooms but also unique structures such as this that can define a University’s culture.
Inside KU Campanile
A visit to the Campanile will allow you to enjoy a breathtaking experience as you climb from floor to floor savoring the diverse collection of artifacts and synopsis of the University’s history. Each of its 14 floors houses rare and unique objects and informational materials about Kenyatta University that is open to the public. For instance, on the ground floor, you will get to view historical images of the university since the time it was founded in 1985.
The Campanile features architectural designs of modern outstanding buildings at the university which include the Kenyatta University Post Modern Library, Kenyatta University Central Administration Block, Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital as well as the upcoming Kenyatta University Children’s Hospital.
Climbing up floors there is a gallery of the vice-chancellors who have governed the institution along with the years they served in office. Student leadership is also not forgotten as there is information about Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) student leaders who have been in office throughout the years.
At the peak on the 14th floor, binoculars featuring 10-power multi-layer coated lenses that deliver bright and clear images in most lighting conditions will help you zoom in on every corner of the University and its surroundings while giving you a superb view of the City of Nairobi and an opportunity to test your knowledge of Nairobi City’s skyscrapers such as the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Times Tower as well as the UAP Old Mutual Tower in Upper Hill, Nairobi. The latter is the tallest building in Nairobi city.
The Campanile also holds trophies, graduation gowns of different categories, plus drawings of great politicians from Tanzania who had studied at Kenyatta University. The most outstanding thing it’s this mirror attached to the lifts that enlarges someone’s size, you’ve got to visit this place. Though no taking of pictures is allowed.
For the researchers, the Campanile has ample space for perusing and reading the various documents that tell the KU story. The present and the future of the University are not left out either. In the Documentary Room, you will view videos on the major development plans and programs the University is undertaking as well as a master plan for the University.
KU Campanile Entrance Charges
The campanile is open to the students, staff and general public. A small fee is charged to access the tower, Ksh 50 for students, Ksh 100 for staff, Ksh 150 for the general public, and Ksh 2,000 for Non-Kenyans. The small fee is used to support a group of Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) within the institution.
KU Campanile Opening Hours
The Campanile is open to students, staff, and the general public daily including weekends and public holidays as below:
| DAY | OPENING TIME | CLOSING TIME |
| Monday – Friday | 8: 00 a.m | 7: 00 p.m |
| Saturday | 8: 00 a.m | 6: 00 p.m |
| Sunday | 8: 00 a.m | 4: 00 p.m |
| Public Holidays | 2: 00 p.m | 5: 00 p.m |
KU Campanile Contacts
Phone: 0208704299
Email: Campanile@ku.ac.ke
