Nairobi began in the late 1890s as a railway camp where the British rested as they built the Mombasa-Uganda railway line.
Due to its central location in Kenya, Nairobi later became the British provincial capital and the capital city of Kenya.
The British constructed many buildings which are still there today. They include:
1. The State House
This is the official residence of the President of Kenya.
It was originally known as Government House. The building was built in the year 1907 in Nairobi to serve as the official residence of the Governor of British East Africa when Kenya was a British colony. The governor would conduct his official functions at the old Provincial Commissioner’s office but he resided in the Government House.
It was renamed State House after independence
2. National Archives
It is located between Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya street. This building, an enduring landmark of Nairobi, was constructed in 1931 by the National & Grindlays Bank. It was acquired by the Kenyan Government after 1978 for the Kenya National Archives. It contains a catalogue of African heritage arts that span practically every art form from basketry, pottery, weaponry, masks and other ornamental arts, sculpture and many others.
3. National Museum, Nairobi
It is located on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway between Central Business District and Westlands in Nairobi.
The museum was officially opened on 22 September 1930, as Coryndon Museum. The Coryndon Museum was renamed "National Museum" in 1964, a year after Kenya gained independence.
4. The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Building was built in 1931 and is the official seat of the Chief Justice and the Chief Registrar. It is located at the intersection of Taifa Road and City Hall Way in the capital Nairobi. It is located in the Central Business District, near the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
5. Nairobi City Hall
The town hall was built and completed in 1934. It was opened in the same period as the Law Courts (known as the Supreme Court today).
Construction of a new complex commenced in 1950 and was completed in 1957 when it was officially opened.
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