Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is home to a skyline that’s rapidly reaching for the heavens. Your eyes might first catch sight of Britam Tower, a striking figure in the city’s architectural portfolio which scales up to 200 meters. It’s not just the tallest in the city but also a symbol of Nairobi’s growing status as an East African commercial hub.

As you explore the city’s urban landscape, you’ll notice a mix of old and new stretching across the sky. Other impressive structures, like the UAP Old Mutual Tower, once the record holder, now share the skies with Britam, all contributing to a diverse and modern tableau of Nairobi’s growth and ambition. The density of cranes and construction sites around the city tells the story of a city that’s constantly evolving, adding new chapters to its high-rise history.
Britam Tower
Britam Tower is a distinguished skyscraper gracing the skyline of Nairobi. It’s your go-to landmark for an architectural marvel, as it’s the tallest building in Kenya. The tower rises to a height of 195 meters and features 32 usable floors.
The design of Britam Tower is unique, with its prismatic shape starting as a square base and ending in a two-sided roof. Atop the building, a 60-meter mast completes the structure, adding to both its height and its distinctive profile.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 195m (640 ft)
- Floors: 32
The building serves primarily as a commercial space and is owned by British-American Investments Company (Britam). If you’re looking for the tower, head over to Upper Hill, located on Hospital Road in Nairobi. Here, the Britam Tower stands tall among Nairobi’s developing urban landscape, a symbol of modernity and a beacon of commercial progress.
GTC Office Tower
When you’re touring Nairobi’s skyline, you can’t miss the imposing Global Trade Centre Office Tower, commonly known as the GTC Office Tower. You’re looking at Nairobi’s second tallest building, a structure that’s not only a marvel of contemporary architecture but a symbol of the city’s rapid growth. Standing proudly at 184 meters or 604 feet tall, the GTC Office Tower adds a significant notch to Nairobi’s belt of skyscrapers.
This modern colossus houses 42 floors of office space. If you picture yourself walking through its doors, you’re standing inside East Africa’s tallest office block, a title that the GTC Office Tower claims proudly. Owned by Avic International, a multinational holding company, the tower is a hub of commercial activity set in the vibrant district of Westlands.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 184 metres (604 ft)
- Floors: 42
The towers that make up the GTC Nairobi cover a whopping 7.5 acres. It’s more than just an office tower; this complex includes residential spaces and a hotel operated by the renowned JW Marriott. So, whether you’re there for business or pleasure, the GTC Office Tower is a place that truly stands tall—literally and metaphorically—in Nairobi’s concrete jungle.
UAP Old Mutual Tower
When you gaze upon the Nairobi skyline, the UAP Old Mutual Tower surely catches your eye. Completed in 2015, this skyscraper stands at a commanding 163 meters tall. It’s situated in the bustling Upper Hill neighborhood, which is a growing financial hub in Kenya’s capital.
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without knowing that for a brief period, this 33-story building held the title of the tallest structure in Kenya. It overtook Times Tower, but later, the Britam Tower rose higher to claim the crown. With its modern design, UAP Old Mutual offers approximately 300,000 square feet of prime office space.
Quick Facts:
- Stories: 33
- Height: 163m (535 ft)
You’ll find it fascinating that despite its prominence, it faced challenges filling up the space right after opening. Still, UAP Old Mutual Tower remains a critical piece of Nairobi’s architectural development and business expansion, symbolizing the city’s continuous growth and modernization.
GTC Hotel Tower
Your exploration of Nairobi’s skyline isn’t complete without mentioning the GTC Hotel Tower. It’s part of the larger Global Trade Centre complex that’s been catching eyes in Westlands. With 35 floors, this tower stands proudly at 141 meters, a milestone in Nairobi’s architectural achievements.
Nestled inside it is the JW Marriott hotel, bringing an international luxury brand to your city’s heart. You’ll find top-notch hospitality paired with panoramic views that give you a new perspective on Nairobi.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 141 meters
- Floors: 35
The tower’s not just a pretty face; it’s functional, too. With its strategic location and significant height, it’s a beacon of development and a symbol of Nairobi’s growth. Whether you’re looking up from the bustling streets or lounging in one of its elegant rooms, the GTC Hotel Tower reshapes your view of urban Kenya.
Times Tower Nairobi
Times Tower, also known as the New Central Bank Tower, is an iconic figure in Nairobi’s skyline. At 140 meters (459 feet), it’s an imposing presence, holding its own as one of the tallest structures in the city. This tower is not just about its height; it has a total of 38 floors that are primarily used for office space.
Imagine looking out over Nairobi from Times Tower—you’d be taking in the view from the fourth tallest building in Kenya. The tower also includes a 7-storey banking complex, which anchors its presence in the financial district. Its construction details a significant 11-split story car park, solving a bit of that urban parking crunch.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 140 meters (459 feet)
- Floors: 38
Your workspace could be in the heart of Nairobi’s bustling center if you get an office here. Moreover, it’s an architectural landmark that’s stood the test of time, with its construction completed in the late 20th century. Times Tower exemplifies Nairobi’s growth and the rising ambitions of the city’s architectural landscape.
Prism Tower Nairobi
When you think of Nairobi’s skyline, the Prism Tower is a standout. It’s nestled in the Upper Hill business district, which has become a hotspot for modern architecture. This glass facade skyscraper isn’t just another building; it reflects the city’s ambitions and growth.
With its 34 stories stretching up to 133 meters, the Prism Tower offers panoramic views of Nairobi like no other. It symbolizes the rise in high-rise developments, given that not too long ago, Nairobi’s structures were just a few stories high.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 133 meters (436 feet)
- Floors: 34
Your curiosity might be piqued about its design – it’s pretty unique. Each floor features a slight twist, giving the tower a distinctive prismatic shape. When you’re in Nairobi, this architectural masterpiece is hard to miss.
Teleposta Towers
The Teleposta Towers stand out in Nairobi’s skyline as your seventh-tallest architectural marvel. Located conveniently along Kenyatta Avenue, you’re looking at a height of 120 meters, or if you prefer feet, that’s 394. With 27 floors to its name, this tall structure sees a daily buzz of activity.
Quick Facts:
- Height: 120 m (394 ft)
- Floors: 27
As you explore its floors, you’ll find major tenants like Telkom Kenya taking up space. Not just commercial, but the building also accommodates important government offices, such as Kenya’s Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Trade.
Main Tenants:
- Telkom Kenya
- Ministry of Information and Communications
- Ministry of Trade
When you’re navigating through central Nairobi, Teleposta Towers is a landmark you can’t miss. Whether you’re looking up at its impressive height or stepping inside to witness its bustling interior, this building is a testament to Kenya’s urban development.
Kenya Commercial Bank Plaza
Your trip around Nairobi’s skyline wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Kenya Commercial Bank Plaza, often called KCB Plaza. You’ll find this towering structure in the heart of the city’s financial district, standing at an impressive 109.1 meters (358 ft). When you look at its 24 floors, you see the culmination of meticulous work by the main contractor China Wu Yi Company Limited, supporting the bustling economic activities of Kenya’s capital.
Upon its completion, KCB Plaza added a significant rentable space of 228,330 square feet to Nairobi’s commercial real estate market. Placing itself among the city’s tallest structures, it has not only redefined Nairobi’s skyline but also marked itself as a landmark for the banking giant, Kenya Commercial Bank.
Quick Facts:
- Space: 228,300 square feet
- Height: 109.1m (358 ft)
- Floors: 24
Strolling around the plaza, you would note its sleek modern architecture, partly the brainchild of ARUP who participated as the environmental design engineers. It’s a building that represents the ambitions and growth of one of Nairobi’s prime business zones and is a testament to the city’s rapid urban development.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a landmark of Nairobi, holds a unique place in Kenya’s skyline. Commissioned in 1967 by Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first President, the KICC boasts a design by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik and Kenyan architect David Mutiso. You’ll notice its distinct cylindrical shape, which has made it one of Nairobi’s most recognizable buildings.
Quick Facts:
- Stories: 32
- Height: 105m (345 ft)
When it was built, KICC was the tallest building in Kenya, and many years later, it still graces the list of top 10 tallest. Its significant height and central location in the city have made it a prime venue for various national and international events. You can find it easily due to its proximity to major five-star hotels in the city.
Despite newer buildings joining Nairobi’s skyline, KICC holds its ground as an iconic structure. It’s not just a piece of architectural beauty, but it’s also a hub for conferences and events, reflecting its continued importance in Nairobi. Next time you’re in the area, remember to take a moment to appreciate this piece of Kenyan history that continues to stand tall and proud.
Social Security House Nairobi
When you’re in Nairobi, amidst the bustling urban skyline stands Social Security House, also known as NSSF Building. It’s a prominent fixture in the city’s array of buildings with its significant height and role in housing several government departments. You’ll find this building along Bishop Road; it’s hard to miss.
Inside Social Security House, you’ll encounter a hub of activity. Your financial needs can be handled efficiently since several banks operate within the building. The security personnel are known for their friendliness and are always ready to help with directions, which is handy in such an extensive facility.
The building also hosts the headquarters for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), playing a vital role in the social and financial welfare of many Kenyan workers. Over the years, its presence has become ingrained in the daily life of Nairobi’s citizens, often serving as a landmark for meet-ups or just a familiar point on the city’s canvas.