The Government of Kenya has recently revealed its ambitious intentions to construct a cutting-edge convention center in Nairobi, the capital city. This strategic move aims to solidify Kenya’s role as a significant player in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, while also enhancing its diplomatic and commercial prominence within the East African region.
In an official press release following a cabinet decision, the government articulated its vision with clarity: “To establish Kenya as the preferred hub for MICE Tourism and reinforce its status as a thriving diplomatic and commercial nucleus, the cabinet has granted approval for the establishment of the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC).”
This proposed ultra-modern convention center is poised to be a multi-faceted facility, featuring an expansive conference center, an exclusive presidential pavilion, and a cluster of at least five luxurious hotels. Notably, this groundbreaking initiative comes fifty years after the inauguration of Kenya’s inaugural international convention center, the KICC (Kenya International Convention Centre). The venture is anticipated to catalyze the expansion of various sectors including conference tourism, hospitality, events, and aviation – all of which align seamlessly with the overarching objectives of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Expressing her enthusiasm about the decision, Peninah Malonza, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, took to Twitter to declare, “Our focus is on enhancing Kenya’s capacity to become the sought-after destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Today, the cabinet’s approval of the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) underscores our commitment to foster MICE tourism growth as an integral part of #BETA.”
It’s worth noting that the MICE sector, constituting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, played a pivotal role in Kenya’s tourism landscape, contributing an impressive 13.5% to the total annual arrivals exceeding two million in 2019. This bold move to establish the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) promises not only to further amplify these figures but also to position Kenya as a dynamic epicenter for global conferences, high-profile events, and diplomatic gatherings. With its multifaceted facilities and strategic location, the BICC seems poised to redefine Kenya’s footprint in both the regional and international arenas.
