Photo gallery showcasing the evolution of Nairobi

 Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir (right) looks at photographs at the GTC Photo and Art Gallery while accompanied by a ministry official. [Courtesy]

Nairobi has unveiled a photo gallery at the Global Trade Centre (GTC) Towers offering a captivating visual journey through the history of Kenya’s capital from the 1800s. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of over 500 images that promise visitors an immersive experience, shedding light on the rich history and evolution of Nairobi City.

Speaking during the launch, the Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Ummi Mohamed Bashir, lauded the County of Government of Nairobi for taking a bold move to safeguard the culture and rich history of the city.

The ceremony was also attended by dozens of high-profile dignitaries among them Nairobi County CECM for Inclusivity, Public Participation, and Public Service Dr Anastasia Nyalita, who represented Governor Johnson Sakaja.

The unique gallery, which traces Nairobi’s transformation from the 1800s to the present, represents a celebration of the creative economy. It also serves as a platform for recognising and rewarding talented photographers who draw inspiration from luminaries such as Mo Amin.

“I commend GTC for creating this gallery, which serves as both a historical and cultural archive, enabling us to cherish our city and our country’s rich heritage,” said PS Ummi Bashir.

The walls of GTC Towers, the GTC Mall, and various strategic locations within GTC are adorned with iconic photographs showcasing Nairobi’s history.

“I am particularly delighted to see that some of the displayed photos in the gallery were contributed by our talented youth, some of whom have skillfully recreated historical images, bridging the past and the present,” Bashir said.

Dr Nyalita said: “The gallery is of utmost importance for the country and city as it beautifully showcases the remarkable transformation of Nairobi while preserving our rich history.

This gallery launch aligns perfectly well with the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our city as we prepare for the Nairobi Festival set for next month,” she said.

The gallery is a culmination of an online photo competition that garnered thousands of submissions, with winners selected through a combination of expert judgment and public voting.

“The success of this gallery launch owes much to the enthusiastic participation and dedication of the contestants in the online photo campaign, which resonated widely with the public. We are also grateful to our partners for their support,” said Gong Yuxian, the general manager of Avic International (the developers of GTC)

During the launch, winners were awarded top prizes, including high-end cameras, TVs, mobile phones and plane tickets.

“We encourage visitors to explore the gallery and gain a deeper appreciation of Nairobi’s rich history. That is precisely why we established it in public spaces,” Mr Gong Yuxian said.

Shamim Malowa, Avic International Real Estate marketing and public relations supervisor, who is also the Spokesperson of Nairobi urged visitors to explore the gallery to appreciate the city’s rich history.

Nairobi’s GTC represents East Africa’s premier ultra-premium complex, featuring an office tower, the luxurious JW Marriott five star hotel, an opulent apartment community, and a boutique mall. The office tower has set multiple records as East Africa’s tallest office tower, soaring to a height of 184 metres and commanding stunning views over Nairobi from the 42nd floor.