President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent his message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends of renowned African art collector and conservationist Alan Donovan.

Donovan passed away last Sunday peacefully in his sleep at his Mlolongo home in Athi River, Machakos County.

Uhuru eulogized Donovan as a passionate and dedicated conservationist whose deep love for African culture inspired him to found African Heritage Estate.

The president also said Donovan has left many key lessons on the need to preserve African cultural art for current and future generations.

"Mr Donovan has left us very many key lessons on the need to consolidate and preserve African cultural art for the benefit of current and future generations,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru also said Donovan was able to assemble a treasure trove of African art that will benefit and inspire generations to come, through unrelenting determination and meticulous hard work.

"Through his unrelenting determination, hard work and years of meticulous work, Alan was able to assemble a treasure trove of African art that will continue benefit and inspire several generations to come," Uhuru said.

The president reiterated said Donovan’s estate, African Heritage has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic transformation over the years.

He noted that Donovan spent his entire stay in Kenya collecting, preserving and marketing the country’s cultural heritage.

The Head of State wished Donovan’s family, friends and relatives fortitude and God’s comfort during the mourning period.

Donovan was the co-founder of The African Heritage House that overlooks Nairobi National Park as well as the co-founder of The African Heritage Gallery.