Brief Notes On Pumwani

Abstract

PUMWANI Location Pumwani is centrally situated within the Nairobi Extraprovincial area. It o~cupies a site on the north side of Nairobi River, about 2.5 Kilometres from the Central Business District. ,The present location is the original site identified by the colonial authorities for the establishment of a 'native location' . The estate itself, including the land allocated to amenities such as the mosque & the social hall located within \it, covers an area of approximately 16 hectares (0.16 km sq.) which extends on both sides of Digo Road. Pumwani is bordered by Starehe ~o the nor,th-west, while Bondeni and Gorofaini (two City Council estates constructed in the 1940's) are located to the south. California Estate adjourns Pumwani to the east. Historical Background Pumwani is the oldest African settlement still in existence in Nairobi. Its origins can be traced back to the early history of nairobi township when it was recognised by the colonial authorities that due provision had to be made for African housing in the city. The general consensus was that there was need to establish a Native location. '.\ :,