Freemason Linked to Nairobi’s Most Iconic Buildings as Historic Story Resurfaces

 

By Joram Munale

NAIROBI, Kenya – The rich architectural heritage of Nairobi has taken a dramatic turn in public discourse after revelations linking some of the city’s most iconic buildings to a renowned Freemason and master builder whose work shaped the early skyline of the capital.

This comes in the wake of the closure of a Freemason worship house by the Nairobi County Government over delayed land rate payments, reigniting interest in the secretive society’s influence on the city's colonial-era architecture.

Among the landmark structures said to bear the mark of Freemason artistry are State House, All Saints Cathedral, City Hall, and the McMillan Memorial Library. While these buildings have undergone several renovations over the decades, their original design, craftsmanship, and grandeur remain striking — a tribute to the skill and precision of the man behind their construction.

That man was Air Baker, a master builder whose services were sought by Kenya Railways in 1927. Known for his exceptional bricklaying, intricate stone carving, and attention to detail, Baker’s imprint is visible in the city’s early stone architecture. His influence is also evident in the imposing High Court building — now the Supreme Court of Kenya — which stands as a relic of colonial power and exclusion. At the time, black Kenyans were barred from entering the building, a policy that mirrored apartheid-like restrictions.

“These buildings are not just physical structures; they are stories carved in stone, reminders of a layered past,” said a city historian who has studied Nairobi’s architectural evolution.

The Freemasons, known for their secretive practices and influence within colonial institutions, are believed to have used their networks to fund and execute these grand construction projects — often blending symbolism with function in ways the public rarely understood.

The unexpected closure of their Masonic hall in Nairobi over delayed land payments has thrust the group back into the spotlight, prompting renewed interest in the legacy they quietly left behind in the city’s skyline.

While some critics view the society’s presence with suspicion, others argue that the Freemasons helped shape some of the most treasured elements of Kenya’s capital — buildings that still serve important civic, religious, and judicial functions to this day.

As Nairobi continues to grow into a modern metropolis, the story of its past — and those who laid its foundation — remains etched in stone, waiting to be fully understood.

June 23, 2025