Bomas of Kenya upgrade to begin in a fortnight, President Ruto announces
The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events.
The Construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) is set to begin in two weeks.
This was announced following a Cabinet resolution during a meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi.
“The President announced that construction of BICC will begin in two weeks, marking a major milestone in the government’s plan to transform the facility into a world-class conferencing hub,” the cabinet dispatch read in part.
The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events.
The announcement by the cabinet comes hours after Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir refuted claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish National.
Ummi clarified that the facility is under refurbishment and upgrade as approved in the cabinet in August 2023 under the development of the Bomas International Convection Complex (BICC) as had been presented by the then cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, Peninah Malonza.
“The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage stands to categorically refute claims that the Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. Bomas of Kenya has not been sold to anyone,” Ummi said in a statement.
She stated that the development of BICC was presented by Malonza and that the upgrade and refurbishment is not new as it has been in plan for the last ten years with Ruto’s administration only actualizing it.
“The idea of refurbishing and upgrading the Bomas of Kenya is not new and has been in the consideration of the last ten years. It is the current administration that has given impetus to its actualization,” she stated.
She added that the target is ensuring BICC becomes the market leader in the region with multiple conferencing venues that will quantum leap from the facilities as she assured that the facility will remain a government facility.
Speaking at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, over the weekend Gachagua alleged that the Cabinet had already approved the sale, despite objections from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) due to it being on their flight path.
“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,” he claimed.
Established in 1971, the Bomas of Kenya was created to preserve, showcase, and promote the rich and diverse cultures of Kenya’s various ethnic groups. It has served as a significant tourist attraction and cultural center.
