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Kenyan MPs occupy KSh9B Bunge Towers starting today; underground tunnel connects new offices to Parliament buildings

Starting today, on Thursday, April 11, Members of Parliament (MPs) will inaugurate their occupancy in the state-of-the-art Bunge Towers, a prestigious office block worth billions of shillings.

After a prolonged wait of over a decade, a total of 42 MPs are primed to transition into the newly constructed premises, marking a significant milestone. This move, unfolding over two phases, aims to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer.

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, outlined the phased approach. Initially, phase one entails relocating members from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to the Tower or alternative accommodations. This inaugural phase commences on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Speaker Wetangula emphasized that this relocation of MPs from KICC will free up space crucial for hosting the 2024 African Development Bank Group annual meeting, a testament to Kenya’s commitment to international engagements.

Phase two of the relocation initiative, slated to begin on July 1, 2024, targets MPs currently housed at Continental House, who will shift to the Bunge Towers.

The Bunge Towers, a towering architectural marvel standing at 125 meters high and valued at KSh9.26 billion, offers a total of 338 offices. Strategically positioned adjacent to Parliament Buildings, it boasts a modern infrastructure befitting the stature of its occupants.

An underground tunnel, a remarkable feature of the complex, serves as a secure passage connecting the new offices to Parliament Buildings. Constructed at a cost of KSh150 million, this tunnel stretches beneath a section of Harambee Avenue, linking Parliament Road to Uhuru Highway.

This five-meter-wide, 120-meter-long passage is partitioned into vehicular and pedestrian sections, ensuring seamless access for lawmakers between their offices and Parliament, shielded from external disruptions. It stands as a testament to the commitment to convenience and security for those serving the nation in the legislative realm.