The Kenyatta International Conference Centre is the dominant building on the Nairobi skyline — a 28-storey cylindrical tower topped with a distinctive round helipad, designed by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik and opened in 1973. It was built as Kenya's first major international conference venue and remains the most recognisable building in the city.
The top floor helipad is open to visitors as an observation deck and offers the most complete panoramic view of Nairobi available from any public point. On clear days (typically mornings before the haze builds) you can see Kilimanjaro on the southern horizon. A plodding lift takes you most of the way; a final flight of stairs reaches the platform.
The building also houses a small display on Kenyan history and independence. It is best visited as part of a downtown walk that takes in City Hall, Parliament House, and Uhuru Park.