Standing at the top of the country’s third tallest building is an exhilarating experience. With the wind blowing and the beauty of Nairobi all around you whichever way you turn, you feel like you can stretch your arms and sing along to ‘The Carpenters’ 1973 song ‘Top of the world.’
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the place to enjoy a panoramic view of Nairobi and beyond. Caution: if you have a fear of heights, it could get uncomfortable.
Standing at 105 metres tall, KICC remained the tallest building in Kenya, and the wider East Africa, for over two decades until Teleposta Towers came along at 120 metres and Times Tower at 140 metres pushed it down to third place. Completed in 1974, this building has remained a major landmark in the city, a beauty to behold.
Water works
Today, like back then, this is a popular destination for visitors coming into the city, both domestic and international, with people standing by the statue of the founding president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, to have their photos taken. And when the water works are on, KICC transformed into a beautiful sight, especially at night.
But what many do not know is the fact that the building offers more than the statue at the front, the meeting rooms and offices. It offers an amazing view of the city and on a clear day, one can see as far as Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, the Aberdares and a lot more in between from the rooftop.
However, the pollution in the city is making it harder and harder to see these landmarks.
The KICC management allows visitors to access the rooftop daily from 9 a.m. The rooftop has become one of the first points of stop for tour operators offering their guests a city tour. From here they are able to point out different parts of the city. Kenyans pay Sh150, residents Sh200 and non-residents Sh400. Weekends are usually very busy.
“We even get couples proposing up there,” said KICC’s acting managing director Fred Simiyu, during a recent event held up there.
KICC is the country’s main MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) venue. Last year, its rankings went up after hosting 29 international conferences from 20 the previous year.
“The outlook for this year and next is looking positive with at least 13 international conferences already secured. We expect to get even more in the next half of the year,” said Simiyu.
In 2004, the Centre was re-launched as a State Corporation with treasury giving money to uplift it to its former glory after three decades of repeated changes in ownership and under-investment. Today, the centre boasts a new lease of life hosting major conferences in the region and helping Kenya rise to be the second most popular conference tourism destination in Africa, after South Africa.
Restaurant
If there was one thing KICC was popular for in the 70s it was its revolving restaurant. Located on the 28th floor, this restaurant offers guests a great experience where in 90 minutes, you will rotate and get a 360 degrees panoramic view of the city, in the comfort of your dining table.
However, this project has yet to be completed though there are ongoing repairs and improvements. Currently the space is opened for corporate cocktails and other events which do not require sitting. The rooftop is also an ideal area to host event, despite the difficulty of the winding metal stairs.
