President William Ruto inaugurated Bunge Towers on Thursday, April 25, 2024, marking the official unveiling of the edifice designed to accommodate Senators and Members of Parliament (MPs) along with various essential facilities. The construction of this architectural marvel, funded by Ksh. 9.6 billion from taxpayers, stands as a testament to governmental investment in infrastructure.
Originally slated for April 19, 2024, the formal opening ceremony was deferred following the passing of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.
Bunge Towers, soaring 28 stories high, offers a host of opulent amenities tailored for Kenyan legislators, including a gym, beauty parlor, and restaurant, as confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. Additionally, it boasts ample conference rooms to facilitate departmental committee meetings, ensuring a conducive environment for legislative deliberations.
During the inauguration, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa emphasized the cost-saving potential of the towers, highlighting the substantial reduction in taxpayers’ expenses previously incurred on accommodating House committee meetings in hotels.
Notably, Bunge Towers features an underground tunnel linking it to the Parliament buildings, enhancing security and convenience for legislators and staff alike. Currently, many lawmakers operate from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) or Continental House, underscoring the pressing need for dedicated office space.
Initiated in 2010 by the Parliamentary Service Commission to address the shortage of office facilities for MPs, the ultra-modern Bunge Towers comprises 320 offices for Senators and MPs, complemented by four basement floors providing parking spaces for up to 350 vehicles. This ambitious project heralds a new era of efficiency and functionality in Kenya’s legislative landscape.
