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Parliament Buildings Kenya

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Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)

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The Parliament Buildings of Kenya in Nairobi are the architectural symbol of the nation's democratic governance and legislative power. The original complex was completed in 1954 and is characterized by its prominent clock tower, which bears a strong resemblance to London's Big Ben. Following Kenya's independence in 1963, the facility was expanded to accommodate the needs of the newly sovereign state. The grounds house the mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, which is guarded by military personnel and typically opened to the public only on special occasions. The architecture blends colonial-era designs with modern additions, such as the new Senate chamber inaugurated in 2012. As the seat of both the National Assembly and the Senate, the buildings are where the country's most significant laws are debated and passed. The site remains a central point for state ceremonies and a landmark of Nairobi's city center.

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 Parliament Buildings in Kenya house the National Assembly and Senate. Visitors can enter the public areas, but access to the chambers requires prior permission and is only on certain days.
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Typical hours
Public areas are usually open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but parliamentary sessions have their own schedule. Tours require prior booking; opening hours may vary.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and lobby, but not in the chambers. Flash is usually prohibited; respect security rules.
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Time needed
A guided tour takes about 30-45 minutes depending on availability. Allow extra time for security check at the entrance.
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Combine with
The Parliament building is near the Kenya National Archives and Kenya National Museum. Combine with a walk in Uhuru Park.
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Getting there
The building is centrally located at Parliament Square in Nairobi city center. Accessible by taxi, matatu, or on foot; public parking nearby.
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Insider tip
Book a tour at least a day in advance as spaces are limited. Dress formally; shorts and sandals are not allowed.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.29080, 36.82090

Facts

  • Main building construction completed in 1954
  • The clock tower stands approximately 45 meters tall
  • Contains the mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta
  • A new Senate chamber was added in 2012
  • Designed in a colonial neoclassical style
  • Houses both houses of the Kenyan Parliament

Explore nearby

Notable places around

NairobiNairobi<1 km · NWExplore →
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir2 km · EExplore →
Global Trade Centre NairobiGlobal Trade Centre Nairobi3 km · SEExplore →
Heller GardenHeller Garden4 km · SEExplore →
Le'mac TowersLe'mac Towers5 km · SEExplore →
Nairobi Industrial AreaNairobi Industrial Area5 km · NExplore →
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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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Parliament Buildings Kenya (10)

KICC Observation Plattform

Observation platform at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

Nairobi Railway Museum🏛 museum

National museum in Nairobi with historic locomotives and railway exhibits.

Holy Family Basilica

Catholic church in Nairobi, a significant place of worship.

The Judiciary Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Nairobi showcasing the history of Kenya's judiciary.

Uhuru Park🌳 park

Public park in Nairobi, known for its green spaces and monuments.

Uhuru Park Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Uhuru Park, Nairobi. Exhibits on Kenyan history and culture.

Askari Monument

Monument in Nairobi commemorating African soldiers.

World War Monument

War memorial in Nairobi, honoring those who fell in the world wars.

City Market

Market hall in Nairobi, Kenya, offering a variety of goods.

Jamia Mosque

Mosque in Nairobi, Kenya, an Islamic place of worship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Parliament buildings?
Tours are available to the public by prior arrangement. You can also watch sessions from the public gallery.
Is photography of the buildings allowed?
Photography is often restricted in the immediate vicinity for security reasons. Please ask the security guards on-site.
Where is Jomo Kenyatta's Mausoleum located?
The mausoleum is located within the Parliament grounds. Access is usually limited to national holidays.
What security measures are at the entrance?
There are strict security checks, similar to airports. A valid ID is mandatory for entry.
What is the most striking part of the building?
The clock tower is an iconic landmark of Nairobi and defines the appearance of the Parliament complex.
Parliament Buildings Kenya: where is it located?
Parliament Buildings Kenya is located in Kenya.
Parliament Buildings Kenya: what is there to see?
Highlights include KICC Observation Plattform, Nairobi Railway Museum, Holy Family Basilica.
Parliament Buildings Kenya: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
Parliament Buildings Kenya: why is it worth visiting?
The Parliament Buildings of Kenya in Nairobi are the architectural symbol of the nation's democratic governance and legislative power.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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History & landmarks

City Market Nairobi — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
City Market Nairobi
A historic market hall in Nairobi known for selling handicrafts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
An iconic landmark in Nairobi and a major conference center known for its cylindrical tower.
Supreme Court of Kenya — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Supreme Court of Kenya
A historic colonial-era building serving as the seat of the highest court in the country.
Holy Family Minor Basilica — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Holy Family Minor Basilica
A Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in the center of Nairobi with striking architecture.
CBK Pension Tower — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
CBK Pension Tower
One of the newest and most impressive high-rises in Nairobi's central business district.
Times Tower — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Times Tower
A skyscraper in Nairobi that was the tallest building in Kenya for many years.
All Saints&#39; Cathedral Nairobi — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
All Saints' Cathedral Nairobi
The national cathedral of the Anglican Church of Kenya, known for its Gothic architecture.
I&amp;M Bank Tower — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
I&M Bank Tower
A distinctive building in Nairobi with its unique sloped roof and blue glass facades.

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 — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado — Parliament Buildings Kenya (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 — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
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Athi River
A major river in Kenya.

More places

Uhuru Gardens — Parliament Buildings Kenya (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 — Parliament Buildings Kenya (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 — Parliament Buildings Kenya (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 — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley — Parliament Buildings Kenya (Kenya)
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
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Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.