Bomas Convention Centre targets a bigger share of Africa’s lucrative MICE market

Kenya is aiming to capture a larger portion of Africa's lucrative Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market by developing the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC). Situated in Lang'ata, Nairobi, the facility is being designed to accommodate up to 11,000 delegates across five functional zones, a significant jump from the original Bomas auditorium's capacity of around 1,800 people.

Bomas of Kenya's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Okidiyang, emphasizes that this project serves as a deliberate move to position Kenya as a role model in the region's MICE industry. The BICC's development has unfolded over several years, with the proposal expanding from a seven-star hotel concept to a full-fledged convention centre.

A feasibility study conducted in 2016 and Cabinet approval in August 2023 marked key milestones in its realization. Groundbreaking occurred in March 2025, with the investment extending beyond the main convention building to include essential infrastructure like a power substation, water and sewer connections, fibre-optic connectivity, and road improvements.

The strategic location of the BICC, easily accessible through the Southern Bypass and the wider road network, within a 30-minute catchment area from the airport, adds to its appeal. The project is planned in phases, starting with the convention facilities, followed by commercial spaces, hotels, and a sports arena with a projected capacity of 20,000 people.

The first phase, encompassing a 4,600-square-metre convention hall, a 3,500-seat auditorium, a ballroom, meeting rooms, and a presidential area, is set to be completed soon. The site has already attracted the attention of international event organizers, with an organization operating in Kigali and Barcelona visiting the site three times to explore hosting a large-scale event expected to draw over 10,000 participants.

Beyond its commercial ambitions, the construction of the BICC is creating opportunities for local workers, with some workers progressing from labor roles to specialized skills, such as masonry, waterproofing, and steel fixing. The project's progress stands at 55 per cent completion, and its potential impact on the MICE market will hinge not only on the completed infrastructure but also on supporting services, accessibility, and operational capacity to attract and host major events.