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Dedan Kimathi Statue

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Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)

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The Dedan Kimathi Statue is a significant historical monument in Nairobi, honoring the leader of the Mau Mau Uprising against British colonial rule. Unveiled on February 18, 2007, to mark the 50th anniversary of Kimathi's execution, the bronze statue stands as a powerful symbol of Kenya's struggle for independence. The monument depicts Kimathi in military regalia, holding a rifle and a dagger, representing his bravery and leadership in the Aberdare forest. Located at the junction of Kimathi Street and Mama Ngina Street, the statue occupies a central position in the city's commercial heart. Its installation was a landmark event in the official recognition of the Mau Mau movement by the Kenyan government. Dedan Kimathi is revered as a national hero whose legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and land rights. The area around the statue is a frequent site for commemorative events and state ceremonies. As an architectural and artistic piece, the statue provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations to achieve the sovereign nation of Kenya today.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212122211919191920212020
Rain mm3929641147325162220538165

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Dedan Kimathi Statue stands at a busy intersection in downtown Nairobi. It is freely accessible anytime and can be viewed from all sides without restrictions.
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Typical hours
As a public monument, it is accessible around the clock. Daylight is best for photos, but it is also lit in the evening.
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Photography
Photography is of course allowed; the bronze statue against the city backdrop is striking. Watch out for traffic when shooting from the roadside.
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Time needed
A brief visit takes just 5-10 minutes to view the statue and take a photo. If you also want to enjoy the surrounding architecture, allow 15 minutes.
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Combine with
The statue is just around the corner from City Market Nairobi and All Saints' Cathedral. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is also a short walk away.
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Getting there
The statue is at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway, very central. It is reachable on foot from most central points.
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Insider tip
Combine the visit with a walk along Kenyatta Avenue, where many historic buildings stand. Early morning traffic is lighter and you'll have the statue almost to yourself.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.28350, 36.82220

Facts

  • The statue was unveiled on February 18, 2007, by President Mwai Kibaki.
  • It is made of bronze and depicts Kimathi in his field uniform.
  • Dedan Kimathi was the Field Marshal of the Mau Mau movement.
  • The monument is located at the intersection of Kimathi and Mama Ngina streets.
  • The unveiling coincided with the 50th anniversary of his execution in 1957.
  • It was commissioned to formally recognize the contributions of freedom fighters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Macmillan Memorial LibraryMacmillan Memorial Library<1 km · SExplore →
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir2 km · EExplore →
Nyayo National StadiumNyayo National Stadium2 km · WExplore →
Global Trade Centre NairobiGlobal Trade Centre Nairobi2 km · SEExplore →
Heller GardenHeller Garden4 km · SEExplore →
Le'mac TowersLe'mac Towers4 km · SEExplore →
Karura Forest NairobiKarura Forest Nairobi5 km · EExplore →
Nairobi Industrial AreaNairobi Industrial Area5 km · NWExplore →

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Sights in the town Dedan Kimathi Statue (1)

Askari Monument🏺 historical

Situated in central Nairobi, this bronze colonial-era statue commemorates the African troops who fought for the British carrier corps during the First World War.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Dedan Kimathi Statue located?
The monument is located on Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District, opposite the Hilton Hotel.
Who was Dedan Kimathi?
He was a leader of the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya during the 1950s.
Is there a fee to see the statue?
No, the statue is in a public square and can be viewed for free at any time.
Is it safe to take photos there?
Yes, but in the busy city center, be mindful of your valuables and the surrounding traffic.
When is the best time to visit?
During the day when the bronze statue's details are visible. Early morning has less traffic.
Dedan Kimathi Statue: where is it located?
Dedan Kimathi Statue is located in Kenya.
Dedan Kimathi Statue: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Dedan Kimathi Statue: why is it worth visiting?
The Dedan Kimathi Statue is a significant historical monument in Nairobi, honoring the leader of the Mau Mau Uprising against British colonial rule.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

City Market Nairobi — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
City Market Nairobi
A historic market hall in Nairobi known for selling handicrafts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Macmillan Memorial Library — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Macmillan Memorial Library
The oldest library in Nairobi, housed in an impressive neoclassical building.
Jamia Mosque Nairobi — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Jamia Mosque Nairobi
The most important Islamic center and one of the most prominent religious sites in the heart of Nairobi.
Tom Mboya Monument — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Tom Mboya Monument
A significant monument in Nairobi remembering the assassinated Kenyan politician Tom Mboya.
Kenya National Archives — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Kenya National Archives
A historic building in central Nairobi that preserves vital documents and art collections.
Holy Family Minor Basilica — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Holy Family Minor Basilica
A Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in the center of Nairobi with striking architecture.
I&amp;M Bank Tower — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
I&M Bank Tower
A distinctive building in Nairobi with its unique sloped roof and blue glass facades.
Supreme Court of Kenya — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Supreme Court of Kenya
A historic colonial-era building serving as the seat of the highest court in the country.

Nature

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Lake Magadi
An extreme soda lake.
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Lake Bogoria
A volcanically active soda lake.
Lake Ol Oropil — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Lake Ole Nado
Small soda lake.
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Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
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Lake Kamnarok
A lake in the Kerio Valley.
Kerio River — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
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Athi River
A major river in Kenya.

More places

Uhuru Gardens — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Uhuru Gardens
The largest memorial park in Kenya, marking the exact spot where the Kenyan flag was first hoisted on December 12, 1963.
Karen Blixen Museum — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book 'Out of Africa', which now provides insights into the colonial era.
Amboseli National Park — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is famous for its huge herds of elephants and spectacular views of Afric…
Great Rift Valley — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley — Dedan Kimathi Statue (Kenya)
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
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Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.