Meet Kenyan Architects Behind CBK Pension Towers, the Breathtaking Skyscraper in Nairobi CBD

Standing tall at the heart of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) is the modern 27-storey Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) pension towers. 

The building launched in May 2022 is unique in the sense that it has two glass towers surrounding the main building.

After its completion, many speculated that it had been designed by a contractor from abroad, but that was not the case as the building was designed and developed by a Kenyan team.

The building was developed by Arprim Consultants which is a registered architectural company in Kenya.

Arprim Consultants is headed by principal architects; Joseph K Maina and Jared Momanyi. The two are assisted by associates namely; Moses Okemwa and Alfred Mumo.

On their website, the company shared a proposed image of the CBK Towers, and true to their word, they delivered a building similar to what was proposed.

File image of CBK's Pension Towers. [Photo: Courtesy]

Apart from the CBK towers, the company has worked on other projects that include; Kenya School of Monetary Studies hostels, COMESA offices, Kenya Women Finance Trust banking hall, Faulu Kenya branches countrywide, Kenya Wildlife Service cottage, several apartments and guest houses in the country including Muthaiga Heights in Nairobi.

The building's unique design saw it recognised in China as one of the standout buildings in Africa.

Speaking during the building's launch, former President Uhuru Kenyatta lauded the architects for putting together the spectacular structure and appreciated CBK Pension scheme for trusting Kenyans with the huge project.

"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.

“I would like to commend the CBK Pension Fund for tapping from local human capital, noting that the professionals that were entrusted to put the towers together as architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers were all young Kenyans," Uhuru was quoted.

Explaining the building's unique design, CBK Pension Fund Board of Trustees chairman Dominic Mwenja noted that it symbolizes how retired citizens benefit from the country’s pension scheme.

"This is a testament to how we view our retirees. Our retirees give us the best years of their lives, it is incumbent upon us also to make sure that they are comfortable in their golden year," Mwenja was quoted.