The Jamia Mosque Committee on Monday launched a photo exhibition in Nairobi to commemorate 100 years of the mosque’s existence, celebrating its enduring role as a beacon of faith, education, and community service.
The exhibition, running from October 27 to October 30, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, showcases rare archival photographs tracing Jamia’s century-long journey and contributions to Kenya’s religious and cultural heritage.
It offers the public a rare opportunity to explore Jamia Mosque’s transformation from its modest beginnings in the 1920s to its present-day prominence as one of the country’s most iconic religious and social institutions.
Some of the exhibitions on display to mark Jamia Mosque's 100-year anniversary. PHOTO/Jamia MosqueAccording to the Jamia Mosque Committee, the exhibition features a rich collection of rare and archival photographs chronicling the mosque’s evolution over the past century.
Visitors will witness the story of Jamia’s growth, from its early days as a small community prayer space to its emergence as a central hub for spiritual guidance, education, and social welfare in Nairobi and beyond.
The exhibition highlights Jamia Mosque’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Kenya’s Islamic heritage.
It reflects the mosque’s contributions to religious education, civic engagement, and social development, as well as its vital role in shaping Nairobi’s cultural and architectural identity.
Through carefully curated images, the exhibition celebrates the vision and dedication of Jamia’s founders, who laid the foundation for a mosque that has become a unifying force for generations of Muslims in Kenya.
It also honours the leadership and commitment of those who have continued to uphold Jamia’s mission of faith, unity, and service throughout the decades.
“This exhibition is more than a visual journey; it is a reflection of our shared history, our faith, and our responsibility to the generations to come,” the committee said in a statement.
“It celebrates the vision of those who came before us and reminds us of the role Jamia continues to play in promoting unity, knowledge, and compassion within the community.”
The launch of the exhibition is being graced by dignitaries, scholars, community leaders, and long-standing partners who have contributed to Jamia’s century-long journey.
It will serve as both a moment of reflection and a source of inspiration, inviting Kenyans from all walks of life to celebrate a landmark institution that has stood as a symbol of faith and service for 100 years.
The Jamia Mosque Committee said the centenary celebration is not only a look back at the mosque’s rich past but also a reaffirmation of its future.
As the mosque enters its second century, it aims to continue its mission of providing spiritual guidance, advancing education, and fostering social harmony in a rapidly changing world.
“As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided Jamia since its founding: faith, service, and unity,” the committee noted. “This exhibition stands as a testament to our ongoing dedication to community and national development.”
The photo exhibition will remain open to the public over the four-day period, allowing visitors to walk through the mosque’s historic journey through powerful imagery and storytelling.
It serves as both a celebration and a learning experience, connecting the past with the present and inspiring the next generation to carry forward Jamia’s noble legacy.
As one of Nairobi’s most recognizable landmarks, Jamia Mosque continues to play an influential role in shaping Kenya’s spiritual and cultural landscape, a role now beautifully captured and preserved through this centennial exhibition.
