The Purple Tower, an eco-conscious and energy-efficient commercial building along Mombasa Road, was officially unveiled last week in a spectacular ceremony that featured Kenya’s first-ever drone light show.
The event was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, who announced that the government is finalizing a national policy aimed at promoting sustainable construction. The policy will incentivize buildings that conserve energy and safeguard the environment.
“We are almost done with a national policy that will reward buildings that save energy and protect the environment. In the near future, buildings that meet green standards will be certified and get special benefits,” said CS Kinyanjui. “Kenya aims to become a regional leader in green building and a destination for global investors seeking sustainable real estate.”
Built by Purple Dot International, the Purple Tower has been awarded the globally recognized EDGE Certification for green buildings. This certification confirms that the development meets international benchmarks for reduced energy and water usage, as well as a lower environmental impact from construction materials.
Project lead Mr. Bharat Kerai emphasized the importance of sustainability in the tower’s design. “We worked with experts to ensure the building uses natural light and ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and cooling. It’s a win for both the environment and our tenants,” he noted.
According to Amrish Shah of Urban Green Consultants, the tower achieves:
- 27% less energy use
- 41% less water use
- 33% lower environmental impact from materials
The launch ceremony captivated the public, with over 400 drones forming words like “Purple Tower” and animated shapes visible from miles away. Fireworks followed, drawing spectators from Mombasa Road and the Nairobi Expressway, where traffic temporarily halted as drivers pulled over to witness the unprecedented aerial show.
CS Kinyanjui lauded the developers for setting a new standard. “We are proud of what has been achieved here. This is the future of real estate in Kenya – smart, green, and sustainable.”
With the Purple Tower as a model, the government is encouraging more developers to adopt green building practices and embrace environmentally responsible design.
