Where can I find Freemason lodges near Nairobi

Freemasons' Hall, Nairobi

 

The single most important location for Freemasonry in Nairobi and indeed, much of East Africa, is the central Masonic meeting place. This building is the headquarters for several lodges and is the site where most Masonic activities—including meetings, initiations, and social events—take place.

 

Location and Significance

 

The vast majority of lodges in Nairobi, irrespective of the Constitution they operate under (English, Scottish, or Irish), convene at a single, well-known location:

• Freemasons' Hall

• Location: Situated along Nyerere Road (formerly known as Princess Elizabeth Way), in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi. It is a distinctive, historical building that has served as the heart of East African Freemasonry for decades.

This central hall is the designated meeting place for dozens of lodges and chapters. It is a physical embodiment of the shared history and fellowship between the various constitutions operating in Kenya.

 

Key Governing Bodies and Lodges in Nairobi

 

To connect with a lodge, the best approach is to contact the administrative office of the relevant District Grand Lodge, rather than attempting to contact individual lodges directly. They serve as the central point of enquiry for potential members.

 

1. The District Grand Lodge of East Africa (UGLE)

 

This is the representative body for lodges operating under the United Grand Lodge of England in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Seychelles. Many of the oldest and most prominent lodges in Nairobi fall under this banner.

Lodge NameWarrant DateLocation of MeetingNotes on Heritage

Lodge Harmony (No. 3084)1905Freemasons' Hall, NairobiOne of the oldest lodges in Nairobi.

Victoria Nyanza Lodge (No. 3492)1911Freemasons' Hall, NairobiLong-standing fixture in the community.

Orient Lodge (No. 3703)1914Freemasons' Hall, NairobiFounded just before the First World War.

Progress Lodge (No. 3727)1914Freemasons' Hall, NairobiAnother lodge established during the early colonial era.

Meridian Lodge (No. 8442)1972Freemasons' Hall, NairobiA more modern lodge reflecting the post-independence era.

Lodge of Nairobi (No. 7187)1952Freemasons' Hall, NairobiName directly reflects the city.

These English Constitution lodges, along with several others such as East Africa Millennium Lodge (No. 9701), Equity Lodge (No. 9173), and Lodge of Friendship (No. 9256), all meet at the Nyerere Road location. The District Grand Lodge office is often housed within the same complex and serves as the official point of contact for enquiries regarding membership.

 

2. Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Scotland (GLoS)

 

The Scottish Constitution also has a significant and historical presence in Nairobi, with its lodges also meeting at the central Freemasons’ Hall.

Lodge Name (Example)Constitution No.Location of Meeting

Lodge ScotiaNo. 1008Freemasons' Hall, Nairobi

The Lodge of the HighlandsNo. 1439Freemasons' Hall, Nairobi

Unity LodgeNo. 1611Freemasons' Hall, Nairobi

While they follow a slightly different ritual and administrative structure (supervised by the District Grand Lodge of Kenya under the Scottish Constitution), their physical location for meetings remains the same as their English counterparts, fostering a strong sense of unified Masonic community in the city.

 

Connecting and Making the First Approach

 

As Freemasonry requires prospective members to ask of their own free will and accord and prohibits direct recruitment, the process of finding a lodge is fundamentally one of making an inquiry.

1. Contact the District Grand Secretary: The most professional and recommended method is to use the contact information provided for the District Grand Secretary of either the English or Scottish Constitution. You can find this information by searching the official websites for the respective bodies (e.g., District Grand Lodge of East Africa). Simply sending an email expressing your interest and providing basic information (name, occupation, location) will start the process.

2. Attend Open Events: The Nairobi Freemasons' Hall occasionally hosts open days, public lectures, or non-Masonic social events. These are advertised opportunities for the public to visit the building, dispel myths, and meet Masons in a relaxed, social setting. This is an ideal way to begin the acquaintance process.

3. Use Personal Connections: The traditional way to join is through an acquaintance. If you know a friend, colleague, or family member who is a Mason, they are the best person to introduce you and vouch for your character.

 

Lodges Near Nairobi (Outside the CBD)

 

While the main concentration is at the Nyerere Road hall, a few lodges are located in satellite towns or nearby areas, often utilizing their own or shared community spaces for their meetings.

• Ruiru: Lodges such as the Donyo Sabuk Lodge (No. 4070) and Chania Falls Lodge (No. 9372) meet in Ruiru. This extends the network slightly outside the immediate city centre, catering to members in the larger Nairobi metropolitan area.

• Naivasha: The Rift Valley Lodge (No. 4788), though further afield, still maintains strong ties to the Nairobi Masonic community.

In summary, the search for a Freemason lodge in Nairobi will almost certainly lead you to the historic Freemasons' Hall on Nyerere Road. This is the physical location of the vast majority of lodges, and the administrative offices of the governing District Grand Lodges are the official gateway to beginning your application journey. The process emphasizes personal contact and adherence to the foundational principle of voluntary self-selection.