Kenya has unveiled plans to construct the largest convention centre in Africa as announced by the Ministry of Tourism, in a move to capitalize on convention tourism. The center will be constructed at a cost of US$ 561m. Construction works for the project has been slotted for next year, and the funds will be made available through a public-private partnership program (PPP).
The new development will be called the Bomas International Conference and Exhibition Centre. It will consist of presidential and VIP pavilions, coffee shops, five luxury hotels with 2,000 bed capacity, conference centre with a capacity of hosting 10,000 delegates in one sitting, 15,000 exhibition space, business centers as well as other social amenities.
The new Bomas International Conference and Exhibition Centre will be constructed on an 82-acre piece of land where the current Bomas of Kenya is located. The centre will be strategically located away from the city centre and near most diplomatic offices and high end hotels.
The Bomas of Kenya was started in 1971 to preserve, maintain and promote rich and diverse cultural values of various groups in Kenya and act as a tourist attraction centre. Once completed, the new Bomas International Conference and Exhibition Centre will cater to an even larger number of cultural tourists and host more cultural festivals.
The cabinet Secretary for Tourism Phyllis Kandie indicated that the ministry is also making plans to construct another exhibition and conference centre in Mombasa with the help of partners.