The future of commercial real estate in Nairobi is set to take a major leap forward after the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) unveiled plans to develop East and Central Africa’s tallest building in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The KSh30 billion NSSF Twin Towers project will be built at the junction of Uhuru Highway and Kenyatta Avenue on a prime but previously idle parcel of land, marking one of the most ambitious developments currently shaping the Kenya property market.
NSSF Managing Trustee and Chief Executive Officer David Koros said the redevelopment is designed to unlock the value of the land and generate sustainable returns for contributors.
The land, valued at about KSh4 billion, has remained undeveloped for several years. According to Koros, the Fund plans to redevelop the site and sell completed units to investors so that the proceeds are reinvested back into the Fund for the benefit of members.
Major boost for commercial real estate in Nairobi CBD
The Twin Towers will be delivered as a large-scale mixed-use development, reflecting the growing demand for integrated projects within Nairobi’s commercial core.
Tower A will rise to 60 storeys, reaching approximately 260 metres, making it the tallest building in both East and Central Africa. Tower B will stand at 35 storeys, with an estimated height of about 140 metres.
The complex will feature premium office space, a business hotel, serviced residential apartments, retail outlets and conference facilities. An observation deck will be located on the 56th floor, while the development will provide parking for about 1,150 vehicles.
The project will significantly surpass existing high-rise landmarks in the region. Britam Towers currently stands at 200 metres, followed by GTC Tower at 184 metres. Other prominent towers include Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank headquarters at 209 metres, Nairobi’s Old Mutual Tower at 163 metres and Times Tower at 140 metres.
Construction is expected to take about three years, with ground-breaking planned later this year once all regulatory approvals are secured. The project will be undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company.
NSSF is targeting a minimum return of 12 per cent from the development, with potential upside depending on prevailing market conditions. The project highlights the growing influence of institutional investors within the Kenya commercial real estate sector.
Beyond returns, the development is also expected to revitalise Nairobi’s CBD by introducing residential, hospitality and retail components that extend activity beyond office hours and support a more vibrant, 24-hour city economy.
If completed as planned, the Twin Towers will unlock value from a dormant KSh4 billion property, strengthen investor confidence in the Kenya property market and further reinforce commercial real estate in Nairobi as a key driver of urban growth and investment in the region.
