Kenya: Ruto Promotes Bomas for Mice & Tourism
- Nairobi - President William Ruto has emphasized the importance of the Bomas International Conference center (BICC) as a driver of tourism and business events in Kenya.
- The BICC is undergoing meaningful renovation and expansion, a project Ruto described as transformational.
- Members of Parliament have expressed concerns regarding the transparency of funding and budget allocations for the BICC upgrade, calling for increased oversight.
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Ruto Highlights Bomas Conference Center Expansion as Key to Kenya’s Tourism Growth
Nairobi – President William Ruto has emphasized the importance of the Bomas International Conference center (BICC) as a driver of tourism and business events in Kenya. He spoke at the launch of Jamhuri Thematic Week, wich focused on Wildlife, Tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
The BICC is undergoing meaningful renovation and expansion, a project Ruto described as transformational. He stated the project is not a new construction but a modernization of an existing state-owned facility. The government maintains ownership of the property, and the work is focused on upgrading and expanding its capabilities.
Members of Parliament have expressed concerns regarding the transparency of funding and budget allocations for the BICC upgrade, calling for increased oversight. This scrutiny highlights the need for clear financial accountability throughout the project.
Ruto argued that the demands of conference tourism are evolving, and Kenya needs to enhance its conferencing infrastructure beyond facilities like the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) to remain competitive on the global stage. The KICC, while historically significant, is facing challenges in meeting the demands of modern, large-scale international conferences.
The Growing Importance of MICE Tourism in Kenya
MICE tourism is a rapidly growing segment of the global tourism industry. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the business events sector contributes significantly to national economies, generating revenue through delegate spending on accommodation, transportation, dining, and local attractions. Kenya is actively seeking to capitalize on this trend.
Kenya’s tourism sector contributes approximately 12% to the country’s GDP, with MICE tourism representing a substantial and increasing portion of that figure. The expansion of the BICC is intended to attract larger and more frequent international events, thereby increasing revenue and creating employment opportunities.
| Year | Number of International Conferences Hosted in Kenya | Estimated Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85 | $65 Million |
| 2019 | 92 | $72 Million |
| 2020 | 35 | $28 Million |
| 2022 | 70 | $55 Million |
| 2023 (estimate) | 80 | $60 Million |