Galton-Fenzi Memorial

I find it rather strange that I possess the only photographs of the Galton-Fenzi Memorial that search engines link to on the internet. I’m left wondering why that is, and why there is nothing to describe the various markings on the memorial. I have heard that the Memorial is now surrounded by a cage. Such a shame.

Shortly after these two images appeared on this web site, I was approached by email by a self-described Galton-Fenzi family member. He asked if I would provide unmarked copies of these images. I was happy to do so. Once the images were sent, I never so much as received an acknowledgment of their receipt or a thank-you email in response. With a sense of entitlement such as that, it’s no surprise that the Monument has been unrecognized for such a long time. It deserves to be, since the completely useless pile of rocks wastes much more valuable real estate in Nairobi.

Noblesse oblige, indeed.

The Galton-Fenzi Memorial, commemorating the man who pioneered automobile routes across Kenya and Africa. Fenzi founded the Royal East Africa Automobile Association in 1919. In the background, above the globe, is the bell tower of the Holy Family Cathedral Basilica.

8 thoughts on “Galton-Fenzi Memorial”

  1. You were lucky to have been able to photograph this Memorial before it was surrounded by a cage. I have occasionally taken pictures of it, but the earlier ones are pre-digital, and the later ones are marred by the cage… It is such a fine and such an eccentric sort of memorial!

    1. It’s a slide photo of the Memorial I took in 1974 or ’75. I was surprised when I learned that it is now surrounded by a wire fence. If you wish I can email you my digital conversions of the two photos.

  2. Sad about the lack of some folks manners! I too have just found pictures of my late Fathers and googled to find out more about the Memorial. Dad travelled in convoy by road from SA to Cairo and took unmarked pics along the way to send home!
    My grandson is doing a project which has revitalised my interest!
    Trish

  3. Am Martin. I got a question about the Galton-Fenzi Memorial. Who is the architect behind the memorial, thank you.

    1. Hi Martin,

      I’m sorry, but I have no information on the design of the memorial. I searched high and low on the internet and came up with nothing. I suspect it would have been a British architect, but I have no direct knowledge of that.

      Thanks for finding the site and for your question.

      1. Hello
        Galton Fenzi was the founder of the Automobile Association of Kenya. We are trying to dig out information about him and I am pleased to learn you had contact with some people from his lineage. Do you mind sharing these contacts? We are in the process of putting together the entire history of the AA of Kenya and the works of Galton Fenzi.

  4. I used to see Galton Fenzi monument in Nairobi near the General Post Office
    It used to be on then Delamare Avenue opposite Torrs Hotel.
    This monument was moved and replaced a few away to make way for Kenyatta Avenue.

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