Most of Nairobi’s monuments and statues have been erected to depict political or cultural events that defined the nation.
The history of statues in Nairobi started during the colonial era as it was used as a cultural tool in the project of imperialism.
According to Open Democracy, the statutes radically changed after Kenya gained independence in 1963 and now, they were used as an expression of resistance and the inscription of new voices.
Nyayo Monument
The monument which is located at Central Park at the heart of the capital city was one of the first monuments installed by former President the late Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, who rule Kenya for 24 solid years.
The former head of state had the monument constructed in 1988 to commemorate his ten years as Commander in Chief, after succeeding Mzee Jomo Kenyatta who died in office in 1978.
War Memorial Monument
According to historical records, over 60,000 soldiers from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were recruited to fight in First World War 1 between July 1914 and November 1918.
Many of the soldiers did not come home as they died fighting for the British Monarch.
To commemorate their sacrifice, the colonial government erected the War Memorial Monument in 1928 in honour of the Kings African Rifles and Carrier Corps who served in the war.
Peace, Love and Unity.
The monument is located at Uhuru Park and is used to symbolise Peace, Love and Unity, a rallying call for Kenya to work together for prosperity and posterity.
Independence Commemorative Monument
Kenya was declared as an independent nation at midnight of December 12, 1963, ending over seven decades of colonial rule.
Ten years later, former President Jomo Kenyatta erected the Independence Commemorative Monument in 1973 to celebrate Kenya’s independence.
Naked Justice
The statue depicts a naked boy holding a fish and is situated at the entrance to the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The statue was erected in honour of George Hamilton, a legal practitioner who defended victims of World War II.
The statue portrays justice as naked, blind, and slippery like a fish. Justice is also fearless as a child.
Silver Jubilee Monument
Another iconic monument commissioned by former President Moi is the Silver Jubilee Monument.
Instead of now celebrating his tenure as president, he used the monument to commemorate Kenya’s 25th independence anniversary.
Mau-mau Monument
The Mau-mau monument was used to symbolise reconciliation after independence.
It recognised how the British Government had treated freedom fighters and also was used to recognise all those who took part in Kenya’s struggle for independence.
