The Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) is nearing completion as Kenya seeks to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a global destination for conferences, exhibitions and business tourism.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the project is part of the government’s efforts to position Nairobi as a competitive international commercial hub.
Omollo linked the development to the 2025 Jamhuri Day theme, “Tourism, Wildlife and MICE,” saying the complex will combine business tourism with Kenya’s cultural and wildlife attractions.
Located next to Nairobi National Park, the facility is expected to offer visitors an opportunity to experience conference tourism alongside Nairobi’s cultural and wildlife offerings.
Bomas complex takes shape
The transformation of the iconic Bomas of Kenya into an international conferencing and exhibitions centre is at an advanced stage.
The project is being supervised by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engineers, with construction teams working on tiling, glazing, roofing, interior works, external finishes and access roads.
The complex covers more than 323,500 square metres and will include an 11,000-delegate convention arena equipped with 35 meeting rooms.
It will also feature a 5,000-seat main auditorium, a 3,500-seat secondary hall, a Presidential Pavilion with capacity for up to 30 Heads of State and a 3,000-capacity banquet hall.
Future phases will add luxury hotels, a shopping mall, food court and recreational facilities.
The development is also expected to include a heliport, extensive parking facilities, an expanded cultural zone and an animal orphanage.
Nairobi targets global conference market
Omollo said the project is intended to help Nairobi move beyond its traditional role as a regional transit centre and emerge as a stronger global commercial destination.
He said the infrastructure would increase Kenya’s ability to host major international conferences, exhibitions and high-level meetings while creating opportunities to showcase the country’s cultural and wildlife heritage.
The complex is therefore being positioned as a key component of Kenya’s wider strategy to attract international business visitors and grow the tourism sector.
Security remains a priority
The government has also highlighted the security implications of hosting large international gatherings at the facility.
Omollo said the scale and international profile of the complex would require a secure environment for visitors, national leaders and other stakeholders.
“A world-class international complex of this demands a safe and secure environment,” Omollo said.
He noted that the government has a responsibility to protect Nairobi, critical infrastructure, international visitors and major national assets.
Once completed, the BICC is expected to strengthen Kenya’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector while supporting the country’s ambition to make Nairobi a more competitive global business and tourism destination.
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