Nairobi City is ranked as one of the best and most advanced cities in Africa. One of the things that make Nairobi a beautiful city is the amazing infrastructure, ranging from modern roads to the numerous high-rise buildings.
While most Nairobi’s are familiar with prominent buildings in the city, not many know the owners of those buildings. In this article, we highlight five prominent buildings in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and their owners.
I&M Bank Tower
Located along Kenyatta Avenue, I&M towers is one of the most prominent buildings in the CBD.
The 18-storey building is owned by I&M group, which is a leading banking and insurance company in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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I&M Group is a public company and is listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The building was completed in 2001 and has played host to some top companies including the Standard Media Group which had its town office at I&M before moving back to its headquarters along Mombasa Road.
The building’s unique design, strategic location, and standout paint has made a dear to city businesses and residents.
File image of I&M Bank Tower in Nairobi. [Photo: Courtesy]
International House
Located along Mama Ngina Street, international House is owned by International House Limited; ma company belonging to late business mogul Chris Kirubi.
The company was formed in 1985 after the late Kirby acquired the building from Queensway Development Corporation.
Speaking during one of his Ask Kirby mentorship sessions on Capital FM, the late businessman noted that he was a salesperson at the company that owned the building, but later bought it after the company expressed its desire to close shop in Kenya.
"With International House, I worked for (the insurance company that was headquartered there). I used to sell policies and when they decided to close down their offices in Kenya, they offered me the opportunity to buy the building and supported me in talking to the banks and off we went. So the property was always the foundation,” he opined.
Union Towers
The building was previously owned by Parkway Investment limited; a company that was run by former President the Late Mwai Kibaki and his associates.
In 2014, Parkway Investment sold the building to Prof Simon Gicharu; the founder and Chairman of Mount Kenya University (MKU). Prof Gicharu while speaking to Business Daily divulged that the sale cost an estimated Sh800 million.
“We have been pursuing avenues to strengthen our virtual learning programmes and will be using the premises to coordinate it,” he said during an interview in 2014.
The building now hosts one of MKU’s town campuses.
Afya Centre
Strategically located in the city centre, the 21-storey building is a point of refuge for people who've lost their bearing in the CBD. Most people always go back to Afya Centre and start over.
Afya Centre is a product of Afya Sacco. It was developed by contributions from members of the Sacco (shareholders). It is therefore owned by shareholders of Afya Sacco.
Apart from Afya Centre, information on Sacco's website indicates that the cooperative also owns maisonettes along Kamburu Drive off Ngong Road.
"...This comprises of 16 residential maisonettes located at Kamburu Drive off Ngong Road and Afya Co-operative Center a 21-storey high-rise building, situated in Nairobi City. Afya Investments are fully owned by the shareholders of Afya Sacco," information on the Sacco's website read in part.
According to the Sacco, both projects are generating revenue that trickles back to the shareholders through annual dividends.
"Afya Center acts as the Headquarters of both Afya Sacco Society and the Front Office Services Activities of the Sacco (FOSA). It is a major business center that houses specialized medical clinics, banks, restaurants amongst other offices," Afya Sacco added.
File image of Afya Centre building in Nairobi CBD. [Photo: Courtesy]
KICC, Nyayo House, times Tower, and Kenya National Archives
The four buildings are owned by the government of Kenya through various state agencies.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre - (KICC)
It was completed in 1973 and made a state corporation in 2011 under the Tourism Act. It was initially referred to as the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, but was renamed to Kenyatta International Convention Centre in September, 2013.
KICC is a leading conference facility in East and Central Africa. It has hosted several high-profile conferences that include; World Bank Conference in 1973, the 5th Pan African Malaria conference, 10th WTO Meeting, and TICAD VI among others.
Times Tower
This is the headquarters of the Kenya Revenue Authority. Its construction began in 1992 and ended in the year 2000. Between the year 2000 and 2015, Times Towers was the tallest building in East Africa.
Nyayo House
It was the headquarters of the former Nairobi Province. The building is a government property and houses several state agencies including the Interior Ministry and immigration department. The building is one of the most protected facilities in the country.
Historically, the building is reported to have been used as a torture chamber for leaders who went against former President the late Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi’s administration.
Some of the politicians said to have been detained and tortured at Nyayo House include; Raila Odinga and Koigi wa Wamwere among others.
Kenya National Archives
Located in between Tom Mbaya and Moi Avenue, the Kenya National Archives is an iconic building that hosts important historical publications and other cultural assets.
It was established in 1965 by an Act of Parliament of Kenya. It is currently under the Office of the Deputy President, State Department of Heritage and Culture.
Archives as it is popularly referred to by most city dwellers is a common meeting point owning to its proximity to most bus terminals.
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