Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya is on the cusp of a major economic and tourism milestone with the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC), a flagship project expected to unlock new revenue streams, create thousands of jobs, and position the country as a premier destination for global conferences and exhibitions.
Located in Nairobi, the BICC is projected to become the largest conference facility in East and Central Africa, with a capacity of more than 10,000 delegates at a time. The complex is scheduled to begin hosting events as early as May 2026, marking a transformational moment for Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
For decades, Kenya has relied on the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) as its flagship meeting venue. However, the new BICC signals a shift in ambition — not merely to replace aging infrastructure, but to surpass regional competitors and attract high-profile international events that previously bypassed the region.
President William Ruto announced that the complex is expected to host major global gatherings, including the France–Africa Summit, as part of a strategic effort to elevate Kenya’s global conferencing profile.
“This complex will position Nairobi as a premier global conferencing destination and attract events that currently bypass the region due to limited infrastructure,” said Felix Dwen, a businessman operating near Galleria Mall.
The project has already generated thousands of jobs during the construction phase, with long-term employment expected in hospitality, event management, security, logistics, and support services once operations begin.
During a recent session before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Integration, Bomas of Kenya acting C.E.O Jimmy Okidiagi was questioned on ethnicity and job allocation. The committee directed the institution to prioritise inclusive hiring, particularly focusing on youth employment across all regions without discrimination.
Okidiagi emphasised the economic ripple effect of the project:
“The construction phase has already created thousands of jobs, and once operational, the centre will support long-term employment… These new jobs will increase household incomes and consumer spending, boosting economic growth.”
The government views the BICC as a catalyst for strengthening public enterprises. By positioning Kenya at the centre of regional diplomacy and business engagements, state-run tourism and event promotion agencies are expected to secure larger contracts and partnerships.
Increased inflows of foreign delegates and organisations are also expected to widen the tax base, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and improve financial performance across parastatals involved in travel, trade, and hospitality.
Upon completion, Nairobi is poised to emerge as a leading continental hub for international summits, exhibitions, and diplomatic engagements. The BICC is expected to dwarf existing venues in the region, reinforcing Kenya’s competitive edge in conference tourism.
As the country prepares to host its first major events at the new facility, the Bomas International Convention Complex stands as a symbol of Kenya’s growing economic ambitions — and a bold step toward becoming Africa’s preferred destination for global dialogue and commerce.
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