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Kenyatta International Convention Centre

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Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)

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The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is one of Nairobi's most recognizable landmarks and a premier symbol of modern Kenya. Designed by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik, the 28-story building was officially opened in 1973 to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the country's independence. Its unique architectural design, featuring a cylindrical tower and a terracotta-colored conical plenary hall, blends international modernist styles with traditional African motifs. For decades, the KICC was the tallest building in East and Central Africa and remains a premier venue for international conferences, trade exhibitions, and diplomatic summits. The rooftop helipad serves as an observation deck, providing a spectacular 360-degree view of the Nairobi skyline and Uhuru Park. Standing prominently in the building's forecourt is the statue of Jomo Kenyatta, the nation's founding father. The centre remains a hub of economic and political activity, representing Kenya's growth and ambition on the world stage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212122211919191920212020
Rain mm3929641147325162220538165

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is a congress center open to visitors during events. The observation deck on the 27th floor is usually publicly accessible.
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Typical hours
The observation deck is usually open from 9 AM to 6 PM. On conference days, access may be restricted.
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Photography
The observation deck gives excellent panoramic views for photos. Photography in conference rooms during events is often allowed.
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Time needed
Spending time on the observation deck takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Those wanting to explore the whole building should allow 45 minutes.
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Combine with
KICC is next to the Kenya National Archives and the Kenya National Theatre. Uhuru Park and the Holy Family Basilica are also nearby.
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Getting there
The building is on Harambee Avenue in central Nairobi. It is easily reachable on foot from the city center or by matatu.
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Insider tip
Visit the observation deck in the late afternoon for a beautiful sunset. A valid ID is required for entry.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.28860, 36.82280

Facts

  • Officially opened on September 11, 1973
  • Stands 28 stories high (approx. 105 meters)
  • Designed by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik
  • The plenary hall has a seating capacity of 800
  • Features a rooftop helipad open to the public as a viewpoint
  • It was the tallest building in Kenya until 1999

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Supreme Court of KenyaSupreme Court of Kenya<1 km · SEExplore →
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir2 km · EExplore →
Global Trade Centre NairobiGlobal Trade Centre Nairobi3 km · SEExplore →
Heller GardenHeller Garden4 km · SEExplore →
Nairobi Industrial AreaNairobi Industrial Area5 km · NWExplore →
Le'mac TowersLe'mac Towers5 km · SEExplore →
Uhuru GardensUhuru Gardens5 km · SWExplore →
Karura Forest NairobiKarura Forest Nairobi5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Kenyatta International Convention Centre (1)

KICC Observation Plattform📍 landmark

Located atop a prominent cylindrical high-rise, this observation deck provides panoramic views over the city skyline.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you go to the roof of KICC?
Yes, there is a helipad on the roof that gives a 360-degree view of Nairobi.
How much is the entry fee for the observation deck?
The fee is approximately 500 KES for foreign tourists.
When is KICC open?
For sightseeing, it is usually open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are elevators that lead to most floors and the observation deck.
Where is KICC located?
It is located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi on City Hall Way.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre: where is it located?
Kenyatta International Convention Centre is located in Kenya.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is one of Nairobi's most recognizable landmarks and a premier symbol of modern Kenya.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

City Market Nairobi — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
City Market Nairobi
A historic market hall in Nairobi known for selling handicrafts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Supreme Court of Kenya — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Supreme Court of Kenya
A historic colonial-era building serving as the seat of the highest court in the country.
CBK Pension Tower — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
CBK Pension Tower
One of the newest and most impressive high-rises in Nairobi's central business district.
Holy Family Minor Basilica — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Holy Family Minor Basilica
A Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in the center of Nairobi with striking architecture.
Parliament Buildings Kenya — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Parliament Buildings Kenya
The seat of the Kenyan National Assembly and Senate, known for its distinctive clock tower.
Times Tower — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Times Tower
A skyscraper in Nairobi that was the tallest building in Kenya for many years.
Kenya National Archives — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Kenya National Archives
A historic building in central Nairobi that preserves vital documents and art collections.
Tom Mboya Monument — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Tom Mboya Monument
A significant monument in Nairobi remembering the assassinated Kenyan politician Tom Mboya.

Nature

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Lake Magadi
An extreme soda lake.
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Lake Bogoria
A volcanically active soda lake.
Lake Ol Oropil — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Lake Ole Nado
Small soda lake.
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Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
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Lake Kamnarok
A lake in the Kerio Valley.
Kerio River — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
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Athi River
A major river in Kenya.

More places

Uhuru Gardens — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Uhuru Gardens
The largest memorial park in Kenya, marking the exact spot where the Kenyan flag was first hoisted on December 12, 1963.
Karen Blixen Museum — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book 'Out of Africa', which now provides insights into the colonial era.
Amboseli National Park — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is famous for its huge herds of elephants and spectacular views of Afric…
Great Rift Valley — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley — Kenyatta International Convention Centre (Kenya)
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
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Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.