The CBK Pension Towers, Kenya’s newest skyscraper, valued at Ksh2.5 billion, has piqued China’s interest due to its ultra-modern design.
President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the building’s unveiling on Thursday, May 26. Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Pension Chairman Dominic Mwenja said the facility was honored by China even before it started for business.
He went on to say that it is one of the coolest and most modern structures on the continent, while simultaneously being environmentally friendly.
“This building is the coolest and most modern building in the CBD and Nairobi today. I am happy to tell you that Kenyans are creative and can design such an iconic building which has even been featured in China as one of the most ultra-modern buildings in Africa.
“For that, we are grateful to the team that did this. We have incorporated in this building a fantastic viewing section so that you can have the entire view of the whole county,” stated Mwenja.
CBK Pension Tower, designed by Kenyan architects Arprim Consultants, is equipped with solar panels and generates its own clean energy during the day.
The skyscraper, which is located on Harambee Avenue in Nairobi, has two gleaming sky blue glass towers facing opposing directions.
Mwenja explained that the design was inspired by two retired individuals facing opposite directions, which corresponded to the Pension’s purpose of funding its retired members indefinitely.
“Over 4 years ago, the fund started the journey of developing this property as one of the assets to ensure that retirees of the CBK will have a comfortable retirement.
“Many people ask me why the towers are leaning in opposite directions. The whole idea was to have two retired persons, one facing this way and the other that way. In between, we have the Pension Fund and the CBK as the anchor and support for our retirees and this is a testament of how we view our retirees,” he explained.
The skyscraper is a 27-story structure with six basement levels that houses private tenants’ office suites and retail outlets.
It will also house a currency museum, as well as meeting and support facilities.
