David Mutiso was a pioneer in the field of architecture in Kenya. He was the first indigenous Kenyan architect to design an iconic building in the country, the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC).
Born in 1923 in a small village in rural Kenya, Mutiso showed an early interest in design and construction. He pursued his passion for architecture by studying abroad in the United Kingdom and the United States. He received his degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley in 1954.
Upon his return to Kenya, Mutiso faced many challenges as a black architect in a country that was still under colonial rule. Despite these obstacles, he was determined to make a difference and contribute to the development of his homeland.
In 1967, Mutiso was approached by the Kenyan government to design the KICC building, which was intended to be a symbol of the country’s independence and a venue for international conferences and events.
Mutiso took on this project with great enthusiasm and poured his heart and soul into it. He drew inspiration from traditional African architecture and incorporated elements such as clay tiles and curved roofs into the design. The result was a unique and modern building that blended the old with the new.
The KICC building was completed in 1974 and has become an iconic symbol of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. It has played host to numerous international events, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
David Mutiso’s contribution to the field of architecture in Kenya cannot be understated. He paved the way for other indigenous Kenyan architects and inspired a new generation to follow in his footsteps. His legacy lives on through the KICC building, which remains an important part of Kenya’s history and cultural identity.
