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For 26-years, the happiest man in Nairobi has remained the only tour guide at the iconic KICC building
NAIROBI—It’s iconic. Its architecture is conspicuous and it has remained the tallest building in Kenya for over 26 yrs. This is KICC and atop it is a man I would call probably the happiest man in Nairobi.
Reaching a height of just over 105 meters, The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) consists of 28 floors, making it the second-tallest building in Kenya after the Times Tower. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Kilimanjaro from here.
The wind-speed is too high and an interview on top of the KICC is quite frustrating.
It was designed by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik and commissioned by the founding president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1973.
Despite its status as an iconic building synonymous with the image of Kenya both locally and abroad, there is a man—58-years old Peter Kamau who has remained the only tour guide for over 26 years now.
He knows the KICC from when it was built, to how long it takes to board a lift from the ground floor to the 28th floor.
Peter tells us that he played host to several dignitaries and world leaders who chose his place of work.
This man believes that happiness cannot be acquired, but laughter is a major catalyst.
He says his lowest part of the job is when he can’t communicate with his clients, mostly from European countries.
Kamau stated that his peak period is between June and July when tourists travel from across the world to witness the migration of the wildebeest from Mara to Serengeti or Serengeti to Mara.
Kamau has severally been approached for other jobs, but he declined the offer, saying he enjoys the happiness and satisfaction that comes with this job.
