Nakuru has changed a lot from what it used to be, the town now looks more developed with tarmac roads and infrastructure with amenities that make life easier.

But this was not always the case, in the 90s Nakuru did not have many skyscrapers in the CBD.

In fact, the CK Patel building was not only the tallest building in town, but also the first to have a lift.

"I used to work in the CK Patel building in the early 90s and it was the tallest building in the city at that time. If you look at the city centre now, so much has changed," John Ndegwa a Nakuru resident says.

According to Mr Ndegwa, CK Patel was more than just a commercial building. It was a tourist attraction.

The lifts at CK PATEL on December 12, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

"CK Patel was the first building in Nakuru to have a lift and at that time it was a concept that was unheard of for many people in town," he says.

"Locals would come to the CK Patel building just to experience what it felt like to be in a lift. They would go up to the ninth floor and come back down. I remember in 1991, when the students had finished their rounds at the ASK Showground during the agricultural exhibitions, the teachers there would take them to the building to see the lift and of course to experience a ride," he says.

The children would cue in a line with their teachers just to experience what it felt like to get on a lift.

"There were also a lot of companies jostling for space in the building. It was the place to be at the time," he laughs.

The lifts at CK Patel on December 12, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Joseph Openda, a journalist, says that between 2016 and 2017, the offices of the Nation Media Group were located in the CK Patel building.

In those days, there were so many people using the lift that it often developed mechanical problems.

"Our offices at the time were on the fifth floor and there were times when the lifts broke down, forcing us to use the stairs. This was very inconvenient for us. When we moved to Tower One, the lifts were shut down so that they could be completely refurbished," says Mr Openda.

Felix Keitany says he remembers a time when the lift made funny noises and it was very scary.

"Because of the poor condition, they replaced the old ones about seven years ago. "He says.

Inside the first building in Nakuru to have a lift

Author Spotlight

Bret Sanya