Freda Nkirote Joy M’Mbogori

Biography

Freda is the first African Director of the British Institute in Eastern Africa. Formerly, she was the Head of Cultural Heritage Department at the National Museums of Kenya. She possess strong research, leadership and management skills and is an archaeologist with a PhD from the University of Paris, France; a Master’s degree from University of Bergen, Norway; a Bachelor’s degree from University of Nairobi; a post graduate diploma in museum studies from University College London, and Field research methods certificate from University of Harvard.

Freda has been successful in writing proposals for research and developmental grants from international funding agencies. The last two grants have been given by Wenner Gren (USA) for research and UNESCO (Paris) for promoting traditional pottery making in Tharaka, Tigania and Ishiara.

Freda is also an author who has published books from Cambridge and Oxford University Press, book chapters and professional papers in peer reviewed journals.

She has organised several workshops, of scientific importance to create awareness among cultural stakeholders including Kenyan County Executives and Members of County Assemblies in charge of culture. Recently she created and installed an exhibition on pottery at the National Museums of Kenya, using skills she had gained during the ITP summer programme. This exhibition was featured on National television (KBC) and attracted a number of newspaper articles due to its focus on identity.

At the British Museum

During her time on the International Training Programme in 2013, Freda was based in the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas and her partner placement was spent at the Lincoln Museum and Nottingham University Museum.

In 2013 participants are asked to prepare a project outlining an exhibition proposal based on the space and programme for the British Museum’s Asahi Shimbun Displays in Room 3.  Freda’s exhibition project proposal was entitled Dowry Gourds of the Kamba.

Freda’s place on the programme was generously supported by the Folkwang Museum.