New Central Bank Tower

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Information
New Central Bank Tower
Location	Nairobi, Kenya
Status	Complete
Constructed	1997-2000
Use	Commercial
Roof	140 meters
Floor count	38
Companies
Architect	Triad Architects

New Central Bank Tower, also known as Times Tower, is a 38 storey^[1] office tower in Nairobi, Kenya. At 140m, it is the tallest tower in East and Central Africa, earning the title in May 2000. The entire complex comprises this tower, along with a 7 storey banking complex and an 11-split storey car park. The building is designed to resist earthquakes, and is set on a concrete raft varying in thickness from 0.9m to 3m.

The only tenant of the building is the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

It is used by KRA for tax remissions and administration. All businesses in Kenya are required to pay taxes using Electronic Cash Registers installed this year [2007] under a government directive.

Kenyan businessmen normally dread the queues at Times Tower, especially near the 20th of every month when taxes are due to be paid.

Security to the building is tight with all guests going through screening by guards using metal detectors. It is well guarded by armed policemen at all times. The entrance is different from the exit to ensure easy handling of visitors.

To get into the building beyond the ground floor requires either a Kenyan ID card for locals or passports for foreigners. Entry without the documents is not allowed unless the member of staff being visited leaves his ID documents in place of the visitor.

It is served by 6 elevators.

Some floors are off limits for non workers, such as the seventh floor.