To refine that vision, our Programs & Operations Lead recently visited the Nehru Science Centre (NSC) in Mumbai, India. As one of the largest science museums in the Global South, NSC offers a remarkable model for how science learning can be both accessible and inspiring.

The visit was a chance to experience firsthand how a museum can balance education and play, local context and global ideas. Interactive exhibits on renewable energy, communication, and human biology showed how science can come alive for visitors of all ages. Even more inspiring was seeing how the centre serves as a community hub by hosting workshops, science fairs, and creative learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.

These lessons will shape how we design Nemayiana here in Kenya. Like NSC, we want our museum to be:

• Locally relevant – reflecting African scientific heritage and innovation.
• Interactive – encouraging visitors to experiment, explore, and ask questions.
• Inclusive – making science accessible to children, families, and lifelong learners.

Science museums in the Global South share common challenges — limited funding, infrastructure gaps, and the need for creative partnerships. Yet, as NSC demonstrates, these challenges can fuel innovation and local ownership.