At the junction of Nairobi’s Lusaka and Dunga roads in South B, stands a massive building that is supposed to be a state-of-the-art facility but is now a sorry sight.
The pillars offer a glimpse into the grand dream of the iconic building that was expected to by now be churning out experts ready to contribute to the economy’s research, development and innovation in industrial and allied technologies.
It was also supposed to promote Kenya as a manufacturing hub by building the country’s capacity in the sector.
But that dream somehow stalled along the way or it will now take a little longer to be achieved, according to the people responsible for the project.
Construction work at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (Kirdi) headquarters along Lusaka Road started off in February 2013. The facility was expected to host the country’s top technology minds, who would be responsible for shaping and preparing the country for the Vision 2030.
The facility would also have three tower blocks designed to resist earthquakes and wind loads. The plan has three levels of commercial space, showrooms, and shops, a plenary and an amphitheatre with modern conferencing facilities.
The building is envisioned to have lecture rooms and theatres, restaurant and accommodation facilities to the level of a three-star hotel. Further, there are three basement floors for parking, access roads as well as storm and foul water drainage system.
In 2021, there were a few signs that the building would be completed.
At the time, Kirdi had approximated the completion date for the completion of the building to be the same year.
“We invite Expression of Interest (EOI) from reputable and experienced hoteliers to lease and operate the accommodation tower of the upcoming Kirdi Technology Centre located at the Junction of Lusaka Road and Dunga Road in South B in Nairobi. The tower is on offer for lease on an as-is basis and a long-term lease will be negotiated between the successful bidder and Kirdi,” read the advert.
But close to five years later, the construction of the facility has stalled.
Glass fittings on part of the building have come off while the blue paint on other sections is slowly peeling off the walls.
The contractor, Sunday Nation learnt, left the building site in September 2022 over lack of payment of their dues. A huge pending bill and financial struggles are now slowly shattering Kenya’s dream of being a manufacturing hub.
Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu during a past event.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
According to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, as of January 2024, the project had cost taxpayers Sh5 billion.
The initial cost of the construction of the building was Sh3.9 billion and its completion date was set for March 3, 2016. Due to financial struggles, the date was later extended to November 2, 2022 and the projected amount increased to Sh5.4 billion.
“However, review of the project records at the time of audit in January 2024 established that the contract was terminated on 15 September, 2022 with the project completion rate estimated at 80% amounting Sh4,121,243,494 having been cumulatively certified," read the Auditor-General’s report for the financial year ended June 2024.
In December 2024, the board of directors at Kirdi met and decided to seek a public-private partnership for the completion of the project that now stands at 80 per cent. But these plans were also put aside as the board prioritised seeking funds from the Exchequer.
In January this year, Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana wrote to his counterpart for National Treasury Chris Kiptoo seeking a further Sh2.6 billion for the completion of the project.
Kenya National Qualifications Authority director Juma Mukhwana who says said Kenya is the only country within the region that has an operating qualifications system.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
He argues that if completed, it would save the government Sh175.9 million in annual rent for government agencies such as Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Scrap Metal Council and Kenya Accreditation Service.
According to the original plan, it is also expected to generate an estimated annual rent of Sh600 million through the leasing of spaces.
“To facilitate timely completion of the project, the State Department and Kirdi propose a phased approach, with the goal of handing over the site by July 1, 2026. In this regard, we kindly request a funding commitment from the National Treasury to Kirdi for the next 18 months to be allocated as follows: Sh800 million in Supplementary Il budget in FY financial year) 2024/2025 to facilitate the commencement of construction works in Quarter 4 of the FY 2024/2025 and Sh1.8 billion in FY 2025/2026 to complete the project,” read a letter addressed to the National Treasury.
Dr Mukhwana told Sunday Nation that the earliest time the project will be ready will be in July 2027.
“We have got funds from the Exchequer to complete the building. We intend to move the State department and others that are renting space from private companies to the building as soon as it is complete. We should complete it in the next two years,” Dr Mukhwana said.
The Treasury has promised to allocate Sh1 billion in the financial year 2025/2026 and Sh1.6 billion in the financial year 2026/2027 for the completion of the project.
