The Architect behind the iconic the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) building, David Mutiso, is dead. In a death announcement made on December 2, it was confirmed that Architect David Mutiso, Kenya’s first indigenous architect and a towering figure in the country’s built environment sector, has passed away.
Mutiso served as Chairman of the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa between 1975 and 1977.
(1975–1977) and was a distinguished member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), leaves behind a profound legacy that has shaped Kenya’s architectural landscape for decades.
“We mourn the passing of Arch. David Mutiso, Kenya’s first indigenous architect, former Chairman of the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (1975-1977), and a distinguished member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). He leaves behind a remarkable legacy,” read the announcement.
David Mutiso’s Early Life and Education
David Mutiso, born on July 10, 1932, began his life in the humble beginnings of Manyatta and Mwala.
His early years saw him move through various primary schools, eventually earning a place at Alliance High School, where he studied between 1949 and 1952.
It was during this period that an unexpected encounter would shape the course of his future.
During a school break, Mutiso visited an uncle employed as a cook for a white architect.
One afternoon, he watched his uncle light a fire using rolled-up sheets.
Curious, he examined them closely and discovered they were architectural blueprints signed by Architect Imray Rosa.
Eager to understand more, he sought advice from Alliance’s respected headmaster, Carey Francis.
Francis connected him with several white architects, hoping they would help nurture the young student’s interest.
Instead, Mutiso was met with discouraging remarks. The architects flatly told him that architecture had no place for Africans, insisting that Africans “lived in mud huts” and did not require professional design services.
Although the words were meant to deter him, they only deepened his determination and planted the ambition that would later define his remarkable career.
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His Architecture Dream
With little support and the path to architecture seemingly blocked, Mutiso did not pursue architecture after his O-Levels.
Instead, in 1953, he enrolled at Makerere University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
After returning to Kenya, he found an opening at the City Council of Nairobi for a draftsman.
Determined to grow, he enrolled in evening classes at a technical college in Nairobi to sharpen his skills.
While working at the City Council, the colonial government announced bursaries for Makerere alumni to study abroad.
Mutiso applied and was invited for an interview, where he met his former headmaster, Carey Francis, who was on the panel.
He secured a full scholarship and, in 1954, joined the University of Sheffield.
He graduated in 1959 and later earned membership in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1960.
His practical training included apprenticeships with J. Womersley of the Sheffield Corporation, Professor Quaroni in Italy, and Richard Hughes in Kenya.
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Behind Iconic KICC
After completing his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, he returned to Kenya and joined the Planning Department in 1964.
Within a year, he rose to the position of Superintendent Architect in the Ministry of Public Works, becoming the deputy to the Chief Architect.
When the Chief Architect retired in 1967, Mutiso was appointed to lead the department, marking a milestone for both his career and the country’s architectural landscape.
During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping Kenya’s early public infrastructure.
Among his most notable achievements was contributing to the design and vision of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a landmark that has since become one of the most recognizable emblems of Kenya’s national identity.
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