The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has supported the government’s initiative to position the country as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
In a statement, KICC CEO James Mwaura endorsed President William Ruto’s directive following a recent cabinet meeting held on June 11, 2024, which outlined strategies to capitalize on the economic potential of the MICE sector.
Mwaura highlighted the strategic enhancements at the KICC and the opportunity for Kenya to build on its growing reputation as a leading venue for international conferences stating that the facility has a capacity to host 6,000 guests in its courtyard and 4,000 in the Tsavo Ballroom, with a 1,000 car parking spaces.
“Since April this year, the iconic 28-story KICC has hosted over 50 heads of state and governments and a record number of 23,000 delegates during three major events the IDA 21 Heads of State Summit, 59th Group Annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Africa Development Bank and Africa Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit generating approximately Sh8.6 billion through the ripple effect to the economy,” he said
He stated that Kenya is set to host the Blueinvest Africa Forum in July 2024 and the World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO) in August 2024.
“These conferences support Kenya's foreign policy goals, focusing on climate change adaptation and the blue economy,” Mwaura said.
“Additionally, Kenya will celebrate World Kiswahili Day with East African Community (EAC) Member States from July 5-7, 2024, highlighting the cultural significance of language” he added
Mwaura noted that these high-profile events are poised to enhance Kenya's ranking as a preferred MICE destination significantly.
“According to the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA), Kenya ranked third in Africa in 2023, a significant leap from ninth place in 2022,” he said
He added that Kenya's progress is evident in the ICCA report, which analyzed over 10,000 meetings.
“Globally, Kenya climbed to the 58th position in 2023 from 80th in 2022, while Nairobi rose to the 111th position from 292nd based on the global tally of meetings held,” he said.
He further noted that the progress aligns with KICC's ongoing review of its five-year strategic plan (2023-2028), an effort supported by the introduction of visa-free entry under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) framework, making it easier for international visitors to attend events in Kenya.
"The MICE sector is a key contributor to Kenya’s economic growth as laid out in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)" he said
"The sector plans to increase international MICE visitors from 110,000 in 2015 to one million by 2030, raising MICE earnings from Sh17 billion (approximately USD 157 million) in 2015 to Sh40 billion (approximately USD 370 million) by 2030," he added