Located on Banda Street right in the Nairobi Central Business District, Jamia Mosque (also known as Jamia Masjid) is a historic Sunni mosque that serves as a major centre of Muslim worship, education, social activity, and public life in Kenya. Built between 1925 and 1933 through an extensive community fundraising effort led by the Anjuman Islamia, the mosque was designed by Glasgow-based architect William Landels. At the time of its completion, it was the largest mosque in East Africa and the tallest building in Nairobi.
When you visit, you will see a fascinating fusion of architectural traditions. The building draws principally on seventeenth-century South Asian Mughal architecture—specifically modeled after the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore—while incorporating subtle elements of British and Scottish architecture. Look up to admire its three distinctive bulbous domes made from steel and white copper imported from England, as well as its two octagonal minarets capped by traditional chhatris.
Its restrained façade features multicoloured masonry and a unique Western-influenced arch structure, offering travelers a peaceful, culturally rich sight in central Nairobi.
What to see at Jamia Mosque
- Marvel at three bulbous steel and white copper domes shipped from England
- View the twin octagonal minarets capped by traditional architectural chhatris
- Admire the Mughal-inspired design modeled after iconic mosques in Delhi and Lahore
- Observe unique fusion details created by Glasgow architect William Landels
- Explore a central site of Kenyan Muslim history right in Nairobi's business district
Visiting tips
As this is an active place of worship and key community hub, be sure to dress modestly and respect worshippers when viewing the exterior and complex in the business district.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Jamia Mosque is easy to reach on Nairobi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Karen Blixen Museum and Uhuru Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nairobi travel guide.
See the full Nairobi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.