{
  "id": 19391957,
  "title": "Bomas convention centre to generate 3.5MW of solar power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/bomas-convention-centre-to-generate-3-5mw-of-solar-power",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-10T20:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/bomas-convention-centre-to-generate-3-5mw-of-solar-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya – The Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) is set to generate 3.5 megawatts of electricity through solar panels on its roof. The BICC, designed to host international conferences, exhibitions, and diplomatic gatherings, will be built to accommodate up to 11,000 people across five main sections: an auditorium, convention hall, ballroom, meeting rooms, and a presidential area. Each space requires electricity for lighting, air conditioning, communication, and conference equipment. Acting Bomas of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Okidiyang revealed that the solar system will incorporate battery storage to meet the facility's power requirements. Initially, the generated electricity will be utilized within the BICC complex. Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Amondi, a Kenya Defence Forces project officer, noted that the building's design draws inspiration from the acacia tree, with its flat roof providing ample space for solar panel installation. The project also encompasses connections to electricity, water, sewer services, fibre-optic networks, and improved roads. Okidiyang mentioned that discussions are underway with government agencies to determine how the electricity generated by the solar system will be distributed. Currently, the convention centre is the first phase of a larger development comprising commercial facilities, hotels, and a sports arena with a projected capacity of 20,000 people. At the time of the interview, construction had reached 55% completion, with approximately 1,800 workers on site. The solar installation is anticipated to decrease reliance on alternative electricity sources and enhance the centre's operations upon completion.",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov – 10 – The Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) is expected to generate 3.5 megawatts of electricity from solar panels installed on its roof. The solar system…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}