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The early history of present-day Muthaiga
Playing golf at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi. It is one of the facilities established by settlers following the lukewarm reception they received at the Nairobi Club that was frequented by government officials. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO
At the turn of the 20th century, the area that is today known as Muthaiga was part of the Karura Forest, which was regarded as sacred ground by the Kikuyu people. The name Muthaiga refers to a tree whose bark was used as medicine by the Kikuyu.
As early as 1901, the colonial government recognised Karura Forest and the nearby City Park as sacred and forbade any occupation. However, John Ainsworth, the Nairobi Sub-Commissioner granted 1,600 acres of freehold land in the area to Frederick Baker on condition that he would supply Nairobi with dairy products.
