Race to make Nairobi buildings legitimate

In a small corner of State House Avenue lies what is perhaps Kenya’s oldest nursery School, Lady Northey, founded in 1919 and named after the then Governor’s wife. It was meant to be a day-care centre for white children whose mothers were government employees.

Back then, Nairobi had few permanent structures. Majority were made of timber. Yet, some of the few stone buildings that came up then — including the 100 year-old Lady Northey — are among the most enduring structures in Nairobi as a walk along present day Kenyatta Avenue proves.