KICC renovated for Sh1.9 billion, Senate told

The Senate has been told that the government spent Sh1.9 billion to renovate the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), contrary to reports suggesting the project cost Sh3.2 billion, even as the facility has yet to achieve its full revenue potential.

KICC chief executive officer James Mwaura told Senate’s National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration Committee that the conference facility generates Sh200 million in annual profits.

Mwaura told the committee, chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute, that although the facility makes only Sh200 million in profit after tax, the State parastatal has the capacity to generate more than Sh700 million.

“KICC was renovated at a cost of Sh1.9 billion, covering the refurbishment of various conference rooms, hallways, pavements, and flower gardens — essentially a complete makeover of the facility, funded by the Tourism Promotion Fund,” explained Mwaura.

He told the senators that the country’s premier conference facility has approved a procurement plan for the 2024/25 financial year amounting to Sh634.65 million. Senators sought to understand why the management had allowed the historical building to be painted in different colours.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah questioned Mwaura on whether a client could be permitted to alter the original painting of such a historic building, condemning the move and criticising the military, which was tasked with the assignment. “Kenyatta International Convention Centre is one of the country’s most treasured buildings, constructed many years ago. How could a client be allowed to interfere with its original painting? What was done by the military was completely wrong,” said Omtatah.

Mwaura explained that State corporations are allowed to fund renovations to suit their preferences, adding that, in this case, the client was the government, which commissioned the renovation to host the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.

The CEO stated that the Africa Climate Summit had specific requirements, and since the government of Kenya was the client, there was no way KICC management could refuse the renovation carried out by the military.

According to Mwaura, to enable KICC to reach its full revenue potential, the management is in the process of installing dancing fountains, reinforcing KICC’s commitment to providing world-class experiences.

“The fountains will feature cutting-edge technology, advanced robotics, and artificial intelligence, allowing the water jets to move in perfect synchrony with both traditional and contemporary Kenyan music.

This will attract local and international visitors, enhancing Nairobi’s profile as a global tourism and conference destination,” noted Mwaura.

The CEO further explained that the project aims to provide an exceptional experience for delegates attending conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, serving as an additional attraction and offering a visually stunning, culturally immersive experience.

Mwaura informed the senators that the KICC tower is set to be transformed into a digital advertising platform, providing businesses with a high-visibility space to showcase their brands.

Established under the Tourism Act 2011, KICC is mandated to promote the business of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.