Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Cone-topped tower with a helipad and hut-shaped amphitheatre, born from a chief architect's scandal.
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About this audio guide
This guide to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi opens with a question: what was Kenya's own government doing investigating the architect of its proudest new building the year it opened? It follows David Mutiso, Kenya's first African chief government architect, who worked with young Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nostvik from 1967 to design a tower built on the curves of a traditional homestead hut rather than colonial concrete boxes. You'll hear about the official trip to Canada and South America that gave Mutiso's rivals their opening, and the corruption accusations that followed him home. Look up at the cone-shaped helipad crowning the tower as you take in the story.
This audio guide was created using AI.
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