Nyayo House, Nairobi

Nyayo House is a tall building located in Nairobi. It serves as the home to various government departments, including the State Department for Immigration, Border Control, and Regulation of Persons. Additionally, it functions as the headquarters for Nairobi Province. This building stands at the intersection of Uhuru Highway and Kenyatta Avenue, soaring to a height of 84 meters with 27 floors.

The concept for Nyayo House was conceived in 1973, initially intended to be named Nairobi House. Construction commenced in 1979, a year after Daniel arap Moi assumed the presidency of Kenya. The construction project reached completion in 1983, with planning overseen by the Ministry of Public Works and Ngotho Architects, and the construction executed by Laxmanbhai Construction.

Notably, Nyayo House gained notoriety for its basement detention facilities, often referred to as the "Nyayo House torture chambers." These chambers were used by Special Branch officials (later renamed the National Security Intelligence Service) to mistreat many critics of the Moi government, including individuals like George Anyona, Wahome Mutahi, and Raila Odinga.

Following the Moi era, the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) conducted investigations into cases of torture at Nyayo House. As a result, several victims, including the politician Koigi wa Wamwere, received compensation. Sadly, one former detainee, the musician Ochieng Kabaselleh, passed away shortly after his release, reportedly due to injuries inflicted during torture. The former torture chambers have since been made accessible to the general public.