Bunge Tower: MPs Now Moving Into New Offices

Members of the Senate and the National Assembly have moved to occupy their new office building – Bunge Tower – which took nearly 10 years to complete.

Developed by the Parliamentary Service Commission, the 26-floor tower sits on a one-acre plot between Continental House and County Hall, next to Parliament.

The plot was allocated to Parliament by the State in 2000 after MPs complained that they were working from their cars and hotels due to lack of office space.

Bunge Tower, whose construction was initiated by China Jiangxi Construction Company in March 2014, will house the expanded 418-member legislature.

The 125-meter-high tower is one of the tallest buildings in Kenya.

The building features four parking levels; a reception area; 24 committee rooms; 338 offices for MPs; a health club, a restaurant; an open garden; and a service floor.

It also features a tunnel that was drilled for Sh150 million, and divided into separate sections for vehicles and pedestrians.

This tunnel, measuring five meters wide and 120 meters long, connects Parliament to the office block at basement two and other nearby structures.

The subways serve to shield MPs from the scrutiny of bystanders.

The lawmakers have often complained of being accosted by supporters and strangers at the Parliament gate, seeking financial and other assistance.

This need prompted the construction of the tunnels.

Bunge Tower was initially scheduled for completion in January 2018 for Sh5.89 billion, but the project was delayed by some legal disputes.

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Consequently, the deadline was extended three times – August 23, 2020, July 25, 2021, and November 30, 2021.

Following the delays, the cost was revised to Sh7.1 billion, with financial claims attracting Sh1.1 billion and Sh225.2 million in interest on delayed payments.

So far, Sh6.7 billion is what has been spent on the building.

By the time the building is completed and handed over to the Parliamentary Service Commission, it will have cost Sh8.5 billion.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula informed the house last Tuesday that members will move into the new offices in two phases, starting from April 11, 2024.

“Phase one will involve moving members from KICC to Bunge Tower or other alternative accommodation. This will commence on Thursday,” he said.

Members with offices in the nearby Harambee Sacco Plaza will also be moved to the new building.

Thereafter, the second phase of relocation, involving members housed at the Intercontinental House, will commence on July 1.

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