Kaloleni is located approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) southeast of Nairobi's central business district.

Following recommendations by Sir Charles Mortimer, who chaired the African Housing Committee (AHC), conception of Kaloleni began as early as 1927.

Its initial stages of the estate's design was greatly influenced by Garden City Concept, although the final blueprint was informed by the template created by American urban planner Clarence Perry based on his concept, the Neighbourhood Unit.

The bungalows were built of stone, roofed with Mangalore tiles, and floors finished with cement screed.

[4] Kaloleni was completed in the 1948 and gifted to World War II veterans, the King's African Rifles.