Kuona Trust is a Nairobi arts organisation that has supported local artists since 1995 through studio space, residencies, and training programmes. The centre on Museum Hill Road, near the National Museum, houses working studios that are usually open to visitors during the day — you can watch artists painting, sculpting, and printing in progress.
The gallery space holds a rolling programme of exhibitions by resident and emerging Kenyan artists. The work ranges across contemporary painting, textile art, printmaking, and mixed media. Prices for purchasing work are generally reasonable compared with commercial galleries.
Kuona is one of the better places to engage with Nairobi's contemporary art scene beyond the souvenir market. The centre is also a useful resource for finding out about current cultural events, openings, and performances in the city.