Block by block: How Freemasons built famous buildings in Nairobi

All Saints Cathedral

The foundation was first laid in 1917 and it was built in three phases, with the last phase being completed shortly before independence in 1962. Its stained glass windows were designed by AJ Davis, a famous stained-glass designer from Britain. The main foreman who oversaw its construction was a Freemason.

City Hall

Designed by Cobb & Archer, City Hall opened its doors to the public in the 1950s when it was, at the time, the tallest building in Nairobi with its clock tower standing at 165 feet high. It was expanded in 1981 when the 13-storey City Hall Annex was adjoined to the building. The building houses the City Council of Nairobi.

The High Court

Designed by Cobb & Archer and constructed between the 1950s and 1960s, it houses the Court of Appeal. In the 2013 disputed elections, the Cord petition was thrown out by Supreme Court, making that one of the most watched and discussed rulings of the court under the new Constitution.

Kenya National Archives

Designed by Cobb & Archer, the Kenya National Archives is where the Gridlays Bank was housed before it was taken over and turned into an archive where you will find Jomo Kenyatta's presidential seat, rare pictures, colonial documents, artefacts, historical paintings and the impressive Murumbi art collection.

Parliament Building

It was constructed in the 1950s and has a Westminster architectural theme. It is here that the mausoleum of the founding father of the nation is situated. It was designed by Thonrnly Dyer and Amyas D Connell. Its large English-clock tower is similar London's Big Ben. Recently, it has been expanded to cater for additional members of parliament and members of the senate as per the 2010 Constitution. Its bell tower has made it internationally famous.

Kenya Railways Headquarters

It was built in three years and was completed in 1927. Designed by architect Herbert Baker, it served as the administration block of the East African Railway Corporation. In 2006, the Kenyan and Ugandan governments agreed to transfer management to Rift Valley Railways. The building now houses both RVR and remaining Kenyan Railways staff.