The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its proposed Twin Towers project at the junction of Uhuru Highway and Kenyatta Avenue, one of Nairobi’s largest commercial developments in recent years.
The project will occupy Plots LR Nos. 209/12219, 12220, 11337, and 12287, featuring two towers: Tower A at 260 metres with 60 floors, and Tower B at 140 metres with 35 floors.
The mixed-use complex will include offices, a business hotel, serviced apartments, retail space, conference halls, an observation deck on the 56th floor, and parking for about 1,150 vehicles.
The Fund said on Friday that the project is designed to utilise the land optimally while expanding Nairobi’s supply of high-quality commercial and residential space.
According to the EIA, the site has been carefully assessed and the proposed project will utilise all the parcels of land thus increasing the utility of the land.
The report highlights substantial economic gains, including increased employment, income generation, and expanded opportunities for contractors, suppliers and secondary businesses.
NSSF notes that the development will provide direct and indirect opportunities to a large number of people, adding that construction activities will create a market for locally available materials such as cement, concrete, sand, ballast and glass.
The EIA further states that the project will enhance productivity of commercial premises while helping bridge gaps in the supply of modern office and hotel space.
The Fund predicts that the hospitality and tourism sectors stand to benefit significantly, noting that tourist activities in the neighbourhood shall be widened by occupation of the buildings, particularly with the inclusion of a high-level observation deck.
NSSF says the proposed investment aligns with Nairobi’s urban development goals, projecting improved infrastructure, stimulation of informal-sector growth and enhanced economic vibrancy within the city centre.
According to the report, the project will improve the informal sector and hence improve income levels, contributing to broader economic uplift.
Despite the anticipated benefits, the EIA outlines a series of potential negative impacts. These include loss of vegetation, air pollution, noise, fire risks, increased water demand, traffic disruption within the CBD, and possible insecurity and social impacts associated with a large-scale development.
The report also acknowledges the project’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and its potential to aggravate climate-related vulnerabilities.
It identifies emission of greenhouse gases and contribution to climate change among the risks requiring strict mitigation.
To minimise environmental disruption, the EIA proposes a range of interventions. These include preserving vegetation where possible and sprinkling dust-generating surfaces to limit air pollution.
All trucks entering or leaving the site will be required to use covers, and machines will undergo regular maintenance to reduce emissions.
The Fund also commits to incorporating energy-efficient systems to enhance energy consumption efficiency, installing fire alarms, securing emergency exits, and ensuring continuous workplace safety monitoring.
Traffic safety will be reinforced through properly trained flagmen, barriers, warning signage and coordination with city authorities.
Water conservation measures include harvesting, storage and efficient usage systems to reduce strain during dry periods and mitigate runoff during heavy rainfall.
The EIA adds that adequate sanitation systems and regulated waste disposal mechanisms will be established to prevent public-health risks.
Security will be enhanced through guards, CCTV systems and floodlighting throughout the project cycle.
The report also outlines occupational health protections, including mandatory safety gear, a fully equipped first-aid station and insurance cover for workers.
The filing of the EIA report opens the way for public review and stakeholder engagement before any approvals can be granted.
If authorised, the NSSF Twin Towers would become one of Nairobi’s most defining architectural additions and a major commercial hub along the capital’s busiest urban corridor.
