President William Ruto has approved the sale of Ufanisi House to parliament, a property originally gifted to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) by the late President Jomo Kenyatta.
Speaking during the KNCCI meeting at State House on Friday, May 9, 2025, President Ruto stated that he would initiate discussions with Parliament regarding the sale of Ufanisi House, thereby aiding the establishment of the KNCCI headquarters.
“You mentioned that you cannot access the Ufanisi Building, and that it’s currently unoccupied. I will approach Parliament and try to persuade them to purchase the building so that you can acquire land,” Ruto said.
Ufanisi House, situated on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi, has long been associated with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). Over the years, the building has served as KNCCI’s headquarters.
Ufanisi House to Be Sold
According to KNCCI President Erick Rutto, Ufanisi House was a gift from Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, and has served as their headquarters ever since.
However, Ufanisi House was cordoned off as its vicinity was to be included in the expanded Parliament Square area.
Furthermore, he mentioned that discussions are ongoing with Parliament regarding the sale of Ufanisi House. The proceeds from this sale will be used to finance the development of a new site, which will include modern office spaces and convention facilities.
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Parliament Raises Security Concerns
In 2014, amid heightened security concerns, the building was cordoned off and incorporated into the Parliament Square area. This move was part of broader efforts to secure key government installations in the wake of increased terrorist threats.
The security of Members of Parliament became an increasing concern amid threats to key state institutions and prominent government buildings, particularly those along Harambee Avenue and others that define Nairobi’s skyline.
Therefore, as part of a proposed security-driven expansion plan, Parliament aimed to take over several nearby buildings to form a secure zone known as Parliament Square.
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Other Buildings That Were Targeted
Other buildings included Embassy House, Ukulima Co-op House, Harambee Co-op Plaza, Protection House, Continental House, the Juvenile Court building, and Imani House.
Additional sites that were in the plan include the Professional Centre, Laptrust House, Baden Powell House, St. John’s Ambulance building, and the Parliament Police Station.
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