7 September

On September 7, 1925, the foundation stone of Jamia Mosque was laid in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. The event marked the beginning of the construction of a landmark that would eventually become one of the most prominent religious and architectural symbols of East Africa. Today, the mosque stands in Nairobi’s Central Business District and remains an important part of the city’s historic identity.

The story of Jamia Mosque, however, goes back to 1902, when Maulana Sayed Abdullah Shah sought land to establish a mosque in Nairobi. According to historical accounts, he was given a map of the city and selected a largely undeveloped, swampy site near its center. He reportedly believed that the location would one day become the center of a great city. His vision proved remarkably accurate, as the mosque now stands at the heart of Nairobi’s busy central district.

Formal construction began in 1925, with the mosque designed by Scottish architect William Landels. The design drew heavily from Mughal architecture, particularly the great mosques associated with the Mughal period in the Indian subcontinent. Its architectural inspiration included the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, giving the building a distinctive character within Nairobi’s urban landscape.

The construction itself was an extraordinary community effort. Building stones were transported from India to the port of Mombasa and then carried by railway to Nairobi. Indian railway workers reportedly carried the heavy stone blocks from the railway station to the construction site on their shoulders. Funds were raised through a broad appeal across East Africa, with contributions coming from members of different communities.

After approximately eight years of work, the mosque was completed in 1933. At the time, it was regarded as the tallest building in Nairobi and one of the largest mosques in East Africa. Its distinctive domes and minarets have remained an important feature of Nairobi’s historic skyline.

The story of September 7, 1925 demonstrates how a construction project can evolve far beyond its original purpose. Over a century later, Jamia Mosque stands not merely as a placey of worship, but as a symbol of architectural heritage, community effort and Nairobi’s urban history.