The Oval is one of Nairobi’s distinctive commercial buildings, standing along Ring Road Parklands in Westlands.
The development was designed around an elliptical form and a central atrium, giving it its name and distinctive appearance.
It has housed different local and international corporates, including Microsoft East Africa.
History and Development of The Oval
The Oval was completed in 2012 as a mixed-use commercial development. The project was designed by Bowman Associates, now operating as BAA Architects, a Kenyan architectural practice established in 1999.
During construction, the building was described as an unusual half-moon or oval-shaped development near the Visa Oshwal Center. Nine architects from Bowman Associates worked on the concept, with the firm’s architectural approach favouring strong geometric forms.
The property emerged as Westlands was undergoing rapid commercial transformation, with new office developments replacing or complementing the area’s traditional residential character.
Architecture, Offices and Features
The building’s most recognizable feature is its elliptical shape. According to BAA, the development contains 13,000 square meters of lettable space across eight levels. Two lower floors are dedicated to restaurants and retail, while six upper levels contain open-plan office accommodation.
At the centre is a large atrium that acts as the building’s spatial anchor. The design allows natural light to penetrate deep into the development, while the glazed façade gives the office floors its appearance. The arrangement also creates a visual connection between the retail, dining and office sections.
The Oval’s architecture has led to recognition within Kenya’s architectural sector. Designed by Bowman Associates, it was a runner-up for best commercial building in Nairobi in an architectural competition.
The building’s office component was designed around flexibility and access to natural light. Its Grade A facilities have made it attractive to corporate occupiers, with restaurants and retail outlets on the lower floors providing services within the same development.
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Location and Ownership Details
The Oval is located on Ring Road Parklands, Westlands, Nairobi, placing it within one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. It is close to Westgate and other major developments in Parklands and Westlands.
The Oval is marketed and leased as a Grade A commercial property, managed by Knight Frank Kenya.
According to Knight Frank‘s latest listing, office rents are between KSh100 and KSh150 per square foot per month, depending on the available space and specifications.
The building offers a range of office accommodation. Advertised spaces are from 545 square feet to 22,290 square feet, with serviced and fully furnished options also available for businesses seeking flexible arrangements rather than conventional long-term office leases.
The Oval has previously hosted Microsoft East Africa, which occupied the building’s eighth floor, before moving to Dunhill Towers in Westlands.
It has also hosted Safaricom, Airtel, Diamond Trust Bank and Artcaffe
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