The PM's new office is ready

Written by Ben Kitilli
Friday, 13 August 2010 11:47

The Ministry of Public Works, which is refurbishing the former Shell/BP house along Harambee Avenue, to converted it into the office of the Prime Minister has announced that the building is now ready.

Public Works Minister Chris Obure has said that the Prime Minister and his staff can now occupy the building at their own convenience.

The refurbishment was done in a period of slightly over six months, the face of Harambee Avenue has changed forever.

The state bought this building from private hands for KES 700 million shillings, and then began the process of refurbishing the ground, first, second and seventh floors, which have now been turned into state-of-the-art office blocks at a further cost of KES 329 million shillings.

The PM's office is located on the second floor. It is a spacious, exclusive piece of architectural excellence. Automated fortified glass doors separate the main office from an executive lounge, where the PM will receive his guests. Engineers explained to K24 that the automated door is designed for security, of which the office boasts of ultra-modern setups, including bullet proof windows overlooking the city center. Beyond the lounge, the office opens into a private, cutting-edge bathroom.

The press room has been fitted with the latest equipment. It is easy there to see that the theme's main colour is orange -the furniture is too, all locally made.

The contractor is applying final touches, and has said that the PM and his staff may now occupy the building at their convenience.

The building, which is directly opposite the office of the President, has raised eyebrows, since the office of the Prime Minister will only exist until 2012, now that Kenyans have endorsed the new constitution. It will be interesting to see what the building will be used for therafter, considering all the taxpayers' monies that have been involved in the project.