President William Ruto has expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction at the Bomas of Kenya, where the government is developing the multi-billion-shilling Bomas International Conference Centre (BICC).
During an inspection tour of the site, the President said the project was progressing steadily, signalling confidence in its timely completion. He also chaired a high-level meeting with officials overseeing the project to address existing bottlenecks and fast-track implementation.
Ruto noted that one of the key areas under focus is the establishment of reliable power infrastructure to support the modern facility, which is expected to host large-scale international events.
Ensuring stable energy supply, he said, is critical to meeting global standards required for conferences and exhibitions.
“The progress is steady and sure. We are addressing challenges that could slow down delivery, including ensuring adequate and reliable power infrastructure for the facility,” Ruto said.
The BICC project, currently under construction in Nairobi, is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Africa. Once complete, the complex will significantly expand the country’s capacity to host regional and international gatherings.
According to the President, the facility will play a central role in strengthening Nairobi’s competitiveness against other major conference cities on the continent.
It is expected to complement existing infrastructure while meeting the evolving demands of modern conference tourism.
Ruto further linked the project to the government’s ambitious economic targets, particularly in the tourism sector.
He said the BICC will contribute to increasing international visitor numbers to over five million annually by 2028.
In addition, the government projects that the tourism sector will generate more than KSh1 trillion in revenue within the same period, driven partly by investments in high-end conferencing infrastructure.
The upgraded Bomas complex will feature large-capacity auditoriums, multiple meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and integrated hospitality facilities.
It is designed to accommodate thousands of delegates simultaneously, positioning it among the largest conference venues in East and Central Africa.
Beyond conferences, the development is also expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate growth in related sectors such as hospitality, transport, and trade.
The President’s inspection comes as construction enters advanced stages, with contractors working to meet the targeted completion timeline.
Officials maintain that once operational, the BICC will mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and attract high-value international events.
The Bomas of Kenya, traditionally known for its cultural exhibitions, is now set for a transformation that could redefine its role in the country’s economic landscape.