Major construction project at Nairobi University

The University of Nairobi has launched the construction of a 22-storey building at its main campus in the city's central business district, to meet increasing academic activities and provide expanded administrative services.

The Sh2.3-billion building will be financed predominantly by internally-generated funds and donations, including a gift of Sh125 million from prominent Nairobi businessman and philanthropist Manu Chandaria.

The project's architect is local firm Waweru & Associates – which were selected by an international jury as winners of the architectural design competition in late 2011 – while the construction firm is Chinese contractor China Wu Yi.

The ecologically-sustainable tower block will be located between the university's Gandhi Building and Education Building, adjacent to the Norfolk Fairmont Hotel and Kenya National Theatre.

The building will cater to the academic needs of 3,000 students with lecture halls and tutorial rooms, as well as offices and boardrooms for administrators and lecturers.

Included in the design are a 500-seater lecture theatre, four 300-seater lecture halls, and a helipad on the roof.