Thousands of taxpayers pass through Times Tower every year, yet few know the 38-storey landmark was originally built for the Central Bank of Kenya and came equipped with underground vaults for storing cash.
Located along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi’s central business district, the tower stands 140 metres tall and has 38 floors. Triad Architects designed the building, and Mugoya Construction and Engineering Limited, founded by Ugandan-born engineer James Mugoya Isabirye, served as the main contractor.
Construction began in 1992, and the building was completed around the turn of the millennium.
Initially known as the New Central Bank Tower, KRA took over the building in 1997 after the Central Bank deemed it surplus to its needs.
Where Is Times Tower Located?
Times Tower stands along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi’s central business district, near government offices and other commercial buildings.
KRA lists the building as its headquarters, with its official address given as Times Tower Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi.
The authority uses the premises for its central operations, although it also has regional offices and service centres across the country. Taxpayers can access many of its services online without visiting the headquarters.
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The Original Plan for Times Tower
The Central Bank of Kenya commissioned Times Tower as an office and banking complex to accommodate its operations.
Triad Architects was appointed to design the building and supervise construction. The plans included an office tower, a banking hall and a multi-storey car park. The architectural firm also designed the interior fit-out for KRA’s eventual occupation, with space planned for approximately 1,600 employees.
The original design included basement cash-storage vaults intended for the Central Bank’s banking operations. The facilities became redundant after KRA took over the building.
The complex comprises the main tower, a banking section and multi-level parking facilities. Its design brought office space, banking facilities and parking together in one development.
When it was built, the tower was among the tallest buildings in East Africa and became a prominent feature of Nairobi’s skyline.
Although the Central Bank commissioned the project, its eventual allocation to KRA gave it a different purpose from the one originally intended.
James Mugoya, the Engineer Behind the Construction
Times Tower’s construction is linked to James Mugoya Isabirye, a Ugandan-born engineer who founded Mugoya Construction and Engineering Limited.
Mugoya studied civil engineering at the University of Nairobi and graduated in October 1971. He later established his construction company, which undertook several major projects in Kenya.
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In 1992, the company secured the contract to construct Times Tower. Other projects the firm handled include the National Social Security Fund building in Nairobi and Hazina Estate. The company was also linked to developments such as Moi High School Kabarak, Kabarak University and the Kisumu Provincial Headquarters.
Mugoya’s company handled construction, while Triad Architects handled the architectural design. Howard Humphreys (East Africa) Limited provided structural engineering services.
How Times Tower Became KRA Headquarters
The Central Bank did not end up occupying Times Tower. The Central Bank considered the building surplus to its requirements and allocated it to KRA in late 1997.
The change gave the complex a new role in public administration. Facilities initially planned for banking operations became part of the premises used by the authority responsible for tax collection and customs administration.
The building, initially called the New Central Bank Tower, became known as Times Tower under its new occupant.
KRA building accommodates staff involved in the authority’s central operations, including management, information technology and corporate support.
The authority also provides online services through platforms such as iTax, allowing taxpayers to file returns and complete many transactions without visiting its offices.
KRA provides information through its official channels on available services and office locations. The authority has offices and service centres across the country, so taxpayers do not always have to travel to Nairobi.
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