Pre -1980 Nairobi's Iconic Buildings

Nairobi, popularly referred to as the city under the sun which also serves as the capital city of Kenya was established in 1899.

The town was an inland depot during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway under the British colonial rule with some of current Nairobi's iconic buildings dating back to over 100 years ago.

The city was named after the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi which loosely translates to the place of cool waters.

Nairobi Fire Station

One of the earliest buildings that have stood the test of time is the Nairobi Fire Station located on Tom Mboya Street which was built in 1906.

Photos from the 1950s show that nothing much has changed about the Nairobi Fire Station, save for the modern fire engines.

Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

Another iconic building in the city is the 28-story Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) located in the City Square along Harambee Avenue.

The building which was constructed in the late 1960s has a helipad at the top which visitors use for a birds-eye view of the city.

The iconic building served as the head quarters for Kanu Kenya's ruling party for over thirty years.

Hilton Hotel

The hotel was built in 1969, six years after independence, and became Nairobi's tallest building back then at 61 meters.

The hotel was a famous landmark. The magnificent structure stands at the junction of Kimathi and Mama Ngina Streets.

Most Nairobians of the 1980s used Hilton Hotel as a bearing to navigate through the city.

The Images of Nairobi are totally unrecognizable compared to the current situation in the city.

Kenya National Archives Building and Stanchart Tower next to it

Last but definitely not least is Kipande House the house that now houses KCB along Kenyatta Avenue opposite GPO

According to the 2009 census, Nairobi city had a population of 3,138,369 people and its metropolitan area had 6,547,547 people.

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