President William Ruto has explained why he is investing Ksh42 billion in upgrading the Bomas of Kenya, noting that Nairobi urgently needs modern conference and hospitality facilities.
Speaking at the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi on March 28, Ruto said the Bomas upgrade will address the country’s growing demand for modern meeting facilities.
The President noted that Nairobi has outgrown its existing conference venues, with even hotels such as Kempinski proving too small to accommodate large events.
“The facilities we currently have, including KICC, have served us well, but they are no longer sufficient. That is why we are rebuilding the Bomas of Kenya, which will be ready by May this year,” President Ruto said.
Ruto on Nairobi Lacking Proper Conference Facilities
Further, the President said the country lacks sufficient infrastructure to support major conferences and stressed that meetings currently held outside Nairobi should be redirected to the capital.
Ruto added that the government has encouraged the private sector to construct conference facilities and lodging places with a minimum bed capacity of 1,000 people, aiming to attract real investment in the hospitality sector.
He also announced that the France-Africa Summit will be hosted in Nairobi, adding that demand for the upgraded Bomas of Kenya is already exceeding expectations.
Kenya is set to host two major global engagements, positioning itself as a key hub for international dialogue.
In May, the country will host the Africa-France Summit, the first edition to be held outside the Francophonie bloc.
The summit is expected to provide a strategic platform to redefine Africa’s partnership with France, with a focus on trade, investment, and industrial cooperation anchored on parity and mutual respect.
Public Outrage on Relocation of Nairobi Animal Orphanage
The remarks come amid growing public outrage over the planned relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage to pave the way for the Bomas of Kenya expansion project.
The move, led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will see 76 acres of land axed from Nairobi National Park to accommodate the development.
Some members of the public have expressed opposition, warning that the move could threaten wildlife habitats within the park.
However, KWS, in a statement issued on March 27, maintained that the project is fully compliant with Kenya’s legal framework. The agency said the development is guided by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) and is being implemented in line with environmental regulations.
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Bomas International Convention Complex Set for Upgrade
The Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC), located at Bomas of Kenya, is on track to become one of East and Central Africa’s largest and most advanced convention facilities.
The facility is designed to position Nairobi as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), with construction currently employing over 3,000 workers.
The complex features five key zones, an 11,000-seat main auditorium, a versatile convention hall, presidential-level meeting areas, a grand ballroom, and ordinary meeting rooms.
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How it Will Look
The auditorium will accommodate up to 3,500 delegates in conference mode and 3,200 for entertainment events.
Additionally, the convention hall will host up to 5,000 participants in conference setup or 2,600 for banquets, with 4,600 square metres of exhibition space divisible into six sections for simultaneous events.
Presidential meeting facilities will include large and medium round-table halls, a press conference room for 120, two video conferencing rooms, and nine dedicated meeting rooms, all equipped with advanced interpretation systems.
The grand ballroom will host 1,500 guests for state functions and corporate events, complemented by more than 20 standard meeting rooms for daily conferences, workshops, and press briefings.
The BICC aims to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host international summits, regional negotiations, and high-profile events, including the upcoming Africa-France Summit in May.
