Meet Ugandan Engineer Who Built Nairobi’s Iconic Times Tower and Social Security House

Many Kenyans walk past Times Tower and Social Security House in Nairobi every day without knowing the man behind the construction of the famous buildings. The projects were undertaken by Mugoya Construction & Engineering Limited, a company founded by Ugandan civil engineer James Mugoya Isabirye.

Mugoya moved to Kenya to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated in October 1971. He later established his construction company, which became one of the prominent firms involved in major government projects during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi.

One of the company’s biggest achievements was the construction of Times Tower, a 38-storey building that houses the Kenya Revenue Authority. The contract was awarded in 1992, and the project was completed in 2000. The skyscraper was designed by Triad Architects and became a notable feature of Nairobi’s central business district.

Mugoya’s company also constructed Social Security House along Bishop Road. The building was designed by J.E.D. Nyaseme & Associates. Other projects linked to the firm included Hazina Estate, Moi High School Kabarak, Kabarak University and the Kisumu Provincial Headquarters.

However, the company’s success was accompanied by controversy surrounding the award of government contracts. In 2000, Mathira MP Matu Wamae questioned in Parliament why Mugoya Construction repeatedly secured major state projects.

The firm also faced legal disputes over a National Social Security Fund project involving 265 residential houses in Karen. Initiated in 1995, the project encountered planning approval delays and eventually ended in an out-of-court settlement worth KSh342 million in 2012.

Financial difficulties later caught up with the company. In September 2015, the High Court ordered its liquidation following debt-related petitions.

Despite its eventual collapse, Mugoya Construction left a lasting mark on Kenya’s construction industry, with several of its projects remaining prominent landmarks today.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/industry/644333-james-mugoya-isabirye-ugandan-tycoon-times-tower-nssf-building/

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