Here is a list of the top 10 tallest buildings in Kenya. Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture have made it a popular destination. However, the country is also gaining recognition for its architectural achievements. In recent decades, the urban landscape has undergone significant growth, resulting in awe-inspiring skyscrapers that represent the country’s economic progress.
Most of the tallest buildings in Kenya are in Nairobi. 18 buildings stand taller than 80 metres and several are under construction. In this article, we’ll delve into the top ten tallest skyscrapers in Kenya as of 2023, each with its unique story and significance.
Top 10 Tallest Buildings In Kenya
1. Britam Tower
At the top of our list is the iconic Britam Tower, which at 200 meters is the tallest building in Kenya. Britam Tower is located in Nairobi’s prestigious Upper Hill district, at the intersection of Hospital Road and Upper Hill Road. GAPP Architects and Urbanists in South Africa and Triad Architects in Kenya designed the skyscraper for the British American Insurance Company (BRITAM). The 31-story tower was completed in 2017 and quickly became the tallest building, surpassing the UAP tower.
Britam Tower’s distinct prismatic design is what sets it apart. Britam has a 60-meter mast and a prism-like shape made of glass. It has 3 floors below ground and 31 above ground. Other notable features include an equal four-sided square footprint with a two-sided roof, crowned with three 67-meter-tall helical spires designed to function as wind turbines.
Britam Tower was named the 10th best skyscraper in the world in 2018, making it the first building in Africa to be honored in the Emporis Skyscrapers Award’s 19-year history. Britam Tower also serves as the company’s international headquarters.
2. Nairobi GTC Office Tower
The Nairobi GTC Office Tower stands 184 meters tall. This 43-story office building is the tallest of the six towers that make up the sprawling Ksh 40 billion Global Trade Centre. This iconic structure, located in Nairobi’s bustling Westlands neighborhood, became operational in December 2021. Serving as the African headquarters for the Chinese conglomerate Avic, this tower represents a significant step in Nairobi’s emergence as a hub for international business.
With its modern design and towering presence, this structure not only provides a world-class office space but also contributes to Kenya’s aspirations of becoming a global business destination.
3. UAP Old Mutual Tower
UAP Old Mutual Tower, a prominent skyscraper nestled in the heart of Upper Hill, Nairobi, stands at an impressive height of 163 meters. The 33-storey office complex is owned by UAP Old Mutual Group, a financial services conglomerate headquartered in Kenya with subsidiaries in six African countries.
The UAP Old Mutual Tower was the tallest building in Nairobi until it was surpassed by the Britam Tower. UAP Old Mutual Tower, with its sleek, modern design and breathtaking views of the surrounding skyline, continues to play an important role in Kenya’s urban landscape and is a testament to the country’s economic progress.
4. Nairobi GTC Hotel Tower
The completion of Nairobi GTC Hotel Tower, the second tallest of the six towers of the Global Trade Centre, has added a new participant to the list of Kenya’s tallest skyscrapers. The 141-metre, 35-storey building features 317 guestrooms, 51 serviced apartments, a grand ballroom and 7 conference rooms.
The Nairobi GTC Hotel Tower, whose construction began in July 2015 and opened in 2023, is home to the star-studded US chain JW Marriott hotel that is operated by Marriott International.
5. Times Tower
Times Tower, also known as New Central Bank Tower, rises majestically to a height of 140 meters along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi. This 38-storey skyscraper holds a distinct place in Kenya’s architectural landscape as it serves as the exclusive headquarters for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The tower, which opened its doors in 2000, is designed with meticulous attention to detail, including features that enable it to withstand powerful earthquakes.
One unique aspect of Times Tower is its concrete raft foundation, with a thickness ranging from 0.9 meters to 3.0 meters, providing unparalleled stability. Additionally, it boasts a 7-storey banking complex and an 11-story split-storey car park, demonstrating its commitment to efficiency and functionality. As a symbol of financial governance in Kenya, Times Tower represents not only a physical presence but also a cornerstone of the country’s revenue collection and fiscal management.
6. Prism Tower
The 29-storey Prism Tower by Kings Developers commands Nairobi’s skyline at 133 metres with its design of prisms that appear stacked upon prisms. What makes it even more captivating is the way it interacts with light. When sunlight passes through its prismatic facades, a mesmerizing spectrum of vivid colors emerges, adding a touch of artistic elegance to Nairobi’s skyline. Owned by Kings Developers, a wholly Kenyan-owned property development company, Prism Tower exemplifies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
The building’s visionary design aligns with its owner’s mission to illuminate the creative productivity of Nairobi’s residents. Prism Tower is not just a towering structure; it’s a testament to Kenya’s architectural innovation and commitment to creating spaces that inspire and captivate.
7. Le’mac Towers
Le’mac Towers, a distinctive Dubai-styled mixed-use development nestled in Nairobi’s Westlands neighborhood, stands tall at 126 meters. This impressive 24-storey building, officially opened in 2019, caters to Kenya’s upscale real estate market, offering a blend of high-end offices and luxurious residential apartments. Its strategic location off Waiyaki Way makes it an attractive choice for wealthy buyers and renters seeking exclusive housing in the city’s suburbs.
One of the standout features of Le’mac Towers is the transparent glass-floor skywalk situated on the 24th floor. This breathtaking feature provides a s-eye view of the bustling city streets, with cars moving more than 100 meters below, offering a unique and exhilarating experience for its occupants.
8. Parliament Tower
Parliament Tower, rising to an impressive height of 125 meters, is a significant addition to Nairobi’s architectural landscape. This 26-floor office block, nearly reaching the height of Kenya’s legislative chambers, is situated between Continental House and County Hall, adjacent to the Parliament buildings. Developed by the Parliamentary Service Commission, Parliament Tower’s construction commenced in March 2014 to accommodate the expanded 418-member legislature.
9. Telposta House
Telposta House, a towering 27-storey office block located on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, stands at an impressive height of 120 meters and holds a significant place in Kenya’s architectural landscape. Completed in 1999 by Laxmanbhai Construction, it became the tallest building in Kenya at the time, surpassing the iconic KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre). Today, it remains a notable landmark in the capital city and serves as a hub for several government ministries and departments, including the Ministry of ICT, as well as housing Telkom Kenya.
What makes Telposta House unique is not only its height but also its historical significance in the country. It represents a transition in Nairobi’s skyline, signaling Kenya’s growing telecommunications and administrative capabilities. Its strategic location in the heart of Nairobi makes it a prominent center for various administrative and telecommunications activities, contributing to the city’s architectural diversity. As a symbol of Kenya’s modernization and technological advancement, Telposta House stands tall, accommodating essential government functions while adding to the city’s urban landscape.
10. Nairobi GTC Residential Tower 1
The completion of Nairobi GTC Residential Tower 1, the third tallest of the six towers of the Global Trade Centre, has added a new player to the list of Kenya’s tallest structures. The 116-metre, 33-storey residential apartment tower, whose construction commenced in July 2015, opened to the public this year.
What makes Nairobi GTC Residential Tower 1 stand out is its modern residential offerings in a prime location. Its sleek design and towering stature offer breathtaking views of the city, making it an attractive choice for residents seeking a contemporary urban lifestyle.
