Bomas of Kenya has not been sold, Itumbi says

Head of Special Projects Office of the President Dennis Itumbi at a past event/ DENNIS ITUMBI/X

Head of Special Projects Office of the President Dennis Itumbi has countered claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the Bomas of Kenya has not been sold.

In a statement on Monday, Itumbi said the remarks are "misleading.”.

“His (Gachagua) remarks alleging that the facility has been sold to a Turkish national are not only baseless but also a desperate attempt to mislead the public and derail national progress,” Itumbi said.

He noted that the Bomas of Kenya, an institution that has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s, is being transformed into a world-class international conference and cultural centre.

He added that the ambitious modernisation is not just necessary, but it is long overdue.

Itumbi said Kenya is taking bold steps to position itself as Africa's premier destination for high-level conferencing, entertainment, and cultural exhibitions, aligning with global standards to attract both regional and international events.

“Contrary to Gachagua's statements, there has been no discussion, proposal, or intention to sell Bomas to any foreign entity,” he said.

Itumbi said instead, the government is investing in the facility's expansion to include an 11,000-seater modern arena, providing a much-needed plug-and-play venue for Kenya's thriving creative industry.

The facilities include a commercial presidential villas street, offering premium accommodation and amenities for high-level delegates and earning revenue for Kenya.

It will also have a revitalised cultural hub, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Kenya's rich heritage alongside modern development.

Ummi Bashir, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Culture, also dismissed the statement by the former DP that the Bomas of Kenya has been sold.

PS Bashir in statement quoted a Cabinet Dispatch of August 2023, that approved the modernis of Bomas.

"By dint of Executive Order of Government No 2 of 2023, Bomas of Kenya was placed under the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage," PS Bashir sai in a statement.

"I am therefore shocked by the allegations made by the former Deputy President with regard with the sale of Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish national. The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage stands to categorically refute this allegation. Bomas of Kenya has not been sold to anyone."

PS Bashir also added that the idea of refurbishing and upgrading Bomas of Kenya is not new and has been in consideration for the past 10 years.

"Nevertheless, it is the current administration that has given impetus to its actualisation. The Bomas of Kenya has a valid title in its name, issued in 1971. This title is in the Government's custody," PS BAshir said in a statement.

Speaking on Sunday at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, Gachagua alleged that the Cabinet had already approved the sale, despite objections from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Gachagua further claimed that the sale had been extended to include prison lands.

"As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. The Cabinet was informed, and I was the only one who opposed it. I stood firm and said this is a national heritage; we cannot sell it," Gachagua stated.

"The people from civil aviation opposed it, but the President went ahead and sold it. We are on our own.”