[3] Prior to the establishment of the suburb due to urban expansion from Cape Town in the 1800s the area was part of the Stellenberg farm.

During his term as Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1824 Lord Charles Somerset lived on a farm in the upper part of Kenilworth.

The historically better developed neighbourhoods of Claremont to the north and Wynberg to the south and their respective commercial hubs along Main Road have always played an important role in Kenilworth's history and economy.

The attack took place at a turbulent time in South African history, during the country's transition from apartheid to its first truly democratic elections in 1994.

Health care also has a large presence in the area with a number of private medical practices and drug rehabilitation centers.

[11] As of 2022 the area has a wide range of restaurants and drinking establishments located along Main Road and 2nd Avenue many of which merge into nearby Harfield Village.