Lavish Bunge Towers Opens Doors for Kenyan MPs

The long-awaited Bunge Towers, a 28-story office block for Kenyan legislators, is finally opening its doors today after more than a decade of construction.

Located directly opposite the existing Parliament buildings, the multi-billion shilling project is intended to address the chronic shortage of office space for Members of Parliament (MPs). According to a statement from the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the phased occupation of the building. To ensure a smooth transition, MPs will be relocated in two stages based on a schedule prepared by the Clerk of the National Assembly. The first phase, commencing today, will see MPs currently working at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre move into the Bunge Towers or other temporary accommodations.

The second phase, scheduled for July 1st, will involve the relocation of MPs from Continental House. It is crucial to note that only those assigned offices in the new building will be permitted to occupy them. The Bunge Towers boasts a range of amenities designed to provide a comprehensive workspace for legislators. Standing at 125 meters tall, the building offers four parking levels, a reception area, 24 committee rooms, dedicated offices for all 338 MPs, a health club, a restaurant, an open garden, and a service floor. Committee rooms will be available for MPs to conduct their parliamentary duties.

The construction of the Bunge Towers began in 2014 with an initial completion target of January 2023. However, the project encountered delays, pushing the deadline to August 23. These setbacks drew scrutiny from the Auditor-General’s office which highlighted the challenges in multiple reports. The 2019/2020 financial year report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu raised concerns regarding the slow progress of the project despite significant financial investment. The report further criticized the PSC for exceeding legal limitations when they increased the contract value by Sh1.5 billion in 2018. This 27% variation surpassed the 25% threshold stipulated by Section 139(4) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015.

Originally budgeted at Sh5.5 billion, the project’s cost had already escalated to Sh7 billion by the time of the audit report. Another critical finding pointed out by the Auditor General was the PSC’s lack of title deeds for the land where the Bunge Towers and other Parliament buildings stand. This land was allocated to Parliament by the government in 2000 in response to complaints from MPs who were forced to work in unconventional settings due to a lack of dedicated office space. This state-of-the-art structure offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed workspace for Kenyan legislators and staff. The lower floors cater to logistical needs.

Basements 1 through 4 house essential utilities like fire protection systems, water storage, parking facilities, and storage areas. Security protocols are addressed with dedicated reception areas and separate entrances for members of parliament (MPs) and the public on the ground floor. Soaring above the ground level, the Bunge Towers prioritize both functionality and comfort. Floors 1 through 5 boast 26 committee rooms equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual and conferencing technology. Four of these rooms feature video conferencing capabilities facilitating remote participation and witness testimony.

Natural light and air circulation are strategically incorporated into the design. The fourth floor is an open space that promotes natural ventilation throughout the building minimizing reliance on air conditioning for office floors. Further enhancing the work environment, this floor provides a tranquil outdoor space with comfortable seating. Dedicated office space for MPs occupies floors 6 through 22. Each member has the flexibility to choose between having a dedicated office for their secretariat and personal assistant or sharing one with another MP.

Ascend to the 23rd floor to discover a haven for both relaxation and entertainment. Two spacious restaurants cater to members and staff, complemented by three private dining areas and a modern kitchen. Taking well-being to the next level, the 24th floor houses a fully-equipped health club. This expansive facility offers dedicated areas for cardiovascular exercise, massage, steam baths, saunas, and even reflexology treatments. Manicure and pedicure services round out the comprehensive offerings, ensuring MPs can unwind and pamper themselves. The remaining floors cater to diverse uses. The 25th floor features an aerobics gym for those seeking a more vigorous workout.

Additionally, this floor provides secure living quarters for security personnel and control rooms for the building’s integrated security management system. The topmost floor houses the mechanical and ventilation systems, a parking area for maintenance vehicles, and an atrium with solar water heating equipment. Connecting the Bunge Towers with the existing Parliament buildings is a specially constructed tunnel. This unique passage, designed to ensure the privacy of lawmakers, features dedicated sections for both pedestrians and vehicles. Conveniently located beneath Harambee Avenue, the tunnel provides seamless access between the new and established parliamentary structures.