They say mvua ni baraka and for our first mtaa experience in Kaloleni it rained, and we had a good time!
#MtaaExperience is all about discovering Nairobi through its neighborhoods, their history and lived realities.
Kaloleni is one of Kenya’s oldest neighbourhoods dating back to 1927 was designed based on Clarence Perry’s renowned neighborhood unit concept.. It’s full of rich history & vintage charm. The houses were built by Italian prisoners of war and eventually gifted to African soldiers who were a part of the British Army’s King’s African Rifles in WWII.
As you walk through Kaloleni’s streets, you can’t help but feel like every corner holds a story waiting to be told. One thing that stands out about Kaloleni is the design of the neighbourhood which is proof of architectural brilliance and the essence of community.
Kaloleni is not only one of Kenya’s oldest neighborhoods but also a symbol of Kenya’s political heritage.
Some interesting facts about Kaloleni:
Kenya’s first parliament session was held in Kaloleni social hall.
The late Tom Mboya & Milton Obote lived there.
Queen Elizabeth opened a clinic in Kaloleni.
In 1950’s as the push for independence gained momentum, the first parliamentary sitting was held at Kaloleni Social Hall. This event was groundbreaking, as it symbolized the beginning of a new era in Kenyan politics. The council included prominent leaders such as Tom Mboya, Oginga Odinga, and Daniel Arap Moi.
Later, the soldiers who settled there established a market and named it “Burma”
Burma (present day Myanmar), is where Kenyan soldiers in World War II served. The market became a symbol of their bravery and sacrifice, and it quickly grew into a bustling hub for trade and commerce. To date, the market draws shoppers from all over Nairobi and plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing livelihoods for countless vendors, traders, and artisans.
