- The CS said the revenue generated between July and December 2023 surpassed the set target.
- The revenue generated was attributed to high-profile events such as the Africa Climate Summit held between September 3-6, 2023.
Image: ALFRED MUTUA/X
Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua has announced that Kenya International Convention Centre netted Sh1.07 billion in 6 months as revenue.
In a meeting convened between the Ministry of Tourism and the board of management, KICC, on Thursday, the CS said the revenue generated between July and December 2023 surpassed the set target.
"KICC has set ambitious revenue targets and has already surpassed expectations. It is now boasting an improved performance of Sh1.07 billion shillings between July and December 2023, against a target of Sh545 million," Mutua said.
The revenue generated was attributed to high-profile events such as the Africa Climate Summit held between September 3-6, 2023.
During the meeting, the CS received reports on their strategy to attract conference tourism to Nairobi.
"Led by Chairperson Adelina Mwau, the board shared insights into their ongoing efforts to develop a new marketing plan aimed at positioning KICC as the premier destination for conferences and exhibitions within the region," Mutua said.
The CS addressed the board emphasizing the importance of unity and cohesion and reminded them of the primary objective to uphold the government's Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
He said new partners will come on board to ensure KICC is generating more revenues.
"I announced plans to reconvene with the board next week to delve into the process of onboarding a strategic partner. This partner will play a pivotal role in revitalizing KICC, infusing capital, and elevating it into a world-class facility poised for even greater success," Mutua said.
The announcement comes after The National treasury revealed plans to privatize some state corporations, KICC among them which was estimated to cost Sh6.25 billion.
The efforts have since been ceased by the High Court and the president made clarifications regarding the sale saying that it was a matter of commercializing the building.
"Instead of having KICC as an office block for people who don't pay rent, why don't we transform it into an international conference centre to be bringing Sh300 billion a year?"Ruto said.