[2] It is 84 metres high and has 27 floors[3] Planning of the tower started in 1973 and it was initially set to be named as Nairobi House.

Construction started in 1979, one year after Daniel arap Moi took over as the president of Kenya.

[2] Some of the known detainees at Nyayo House were George Anyona, Wahome Mutahi and Raila Odinga[4] After the Moi era the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) investigated Nyayo House torture cases, and several victims— including politician Koigi wa Wamwere —have been compensated.

[2] Another detainee, musician Ochieng Kabaselleh died soon after he was released, allegedly due to injuries caused by torture.

[5] A court case was filed in June 2024 by some of the survivors of the torture chamber for them be made into a museum and open to the public.