The newly appointed Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) Board of Directors Chairman, Mr Irungu Nyakera has expressed his commitment to transforming KICC into a leading tourism hub, capable of competing with other regional powerhouses.
Last weekend, President William Ruto revoked Nyakera’s appointment as the Chairman of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), a role he held for just over a year, and reappointed him as the head of KICC for a three-year term.
During a familiarization tour with KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura, Nyakera emphasized the centre’s potential to rival other regional destinations, such as Kigali in Rwanda, Adis Ababa in Ethiopia and Cape Town in South Africa.
“We must go beyond the traditional attractions of beaches and wildlife and fully harness KICC’s potential in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism,” Nyakera stated, pledging to implement a robust strategy to boost conference tourism.
According to the Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report 2023, 24 per cent of Kenya’s international visitors arrived for business and conference tourism, highlighting the critical role of conferences in the country’s tourism sector.
Nyakera reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with the KICC board of directors and aiding other cities in developing their conference tourism capabilities, thereby contributing positively to Kenya’s economic growth.
The 28-story building is undergoing modernization to hold up to 6,000 guests in its courtyard and 4,000 in the Tsavo Ballroom, with parking space for 1,000 cars. Since April, it has welcomed more than 23,000 delegates, including 50 heads of state.
These improvements are helping KICC update its five-year strategic plan (2023-2028) and have been supported by the new visa-free entry under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, making it easier for people to attend events in Kenya.
In 2023, Kenya moved up to third place in Africa according to the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA), a big jump from ninth place in 2022. South Africa was first with 98 conferences, followed by Rwanda with 32, and Kenya with 21.
Globally, Kenya improved its ranking from 80th in 2022 to 58th in 2023, while Nairobi’s position rose from 292nd to 111th. This dramatic advancement highlights the city’s increasing importance as a hub for global gatherings and a key player in the international convention industry.
