Following Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya’s visit to the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) site on May 22, 2025, Kenya is taking bold steps to reimagine one of its most iconic cultural landmarks.
"Inspected the ongoing preparatory works for construction of the BICC, Nairobi," CS Tuya stated in her official X account.
"This project will deliver a world-class conference facility while upholding our cultural heritage.”
The BICC is a major government project aimed at transforming the historic Bomas of Kenya into a modern, internationally recognised cultural and convention hub.
The name “Bomas” comes from the Swahili word for “homesteads".
Founded in 1971, Bomas of Kenya has served as a living museum that has long showcased the country’s rich ethnic diversity through traditional music, dance and architecture.
On March 11, 2025, President William Ruto announced the BICC project, with construction commencing in April.
This followed the approval by the cabinet of the establishment of the BICC on August 8, 2023, after recognizing its potential to boost Kenya's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.
"The project aims to redefine the look, feel and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a leading hub for international conferences and cultural events," Ruto stated.
Amid Kenya's efforts to reposition itself not just as a tourist destination but as a cultural and diplomatic nerve center for the continent, the BICC is envisioned to complement the existing Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), further cementing Nairobi's reputation globally. Construction is ongoing, with completion targeted for June 2027.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, among other senior Government and military officials, at the BICC site. May 22, 2025/ SOIPAN TUYA/XThe tender was awarded to a Turkish firm in November 2023, with a total project cost estimated at Sh32 billion.
The oversight of the construction has been entrusted to the Ministry of Defence, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) overseeing the implementation (a move that has drawn attention due to the military's increasing involvement in civilian projects).
The reimagined complex will span over 100,000 square metres and feature an 11,000-seat convention centre.
In addition, cultural exhibition spaces, a modern hotel, sports and recreational facilities, an animal orphanage and enhanced conferencing infrastructure will also be included.
In a post on her X account, Tuya noted, " BICC is not just about infrastructure, but about building Kenya’s legacy as a cultural and global events powerhouse.”
The project’s long-term impact is expected to create 1,000 job opportunities in the construction, hospitality and cultural sectors.
Similarly, it is aimed to increase foreign exchange through international events, enhance national pride and global cultural presence and elevate Nairobi’s appeal as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) hub.
Government projections suggest the facility will significantly contribute to GDP by attracting global events and visitors.
On April 12, 2024, the Ministry of Defence emphasised the complex’s potential to enhance Kenya’s visibility on the international stage and catalyse economic opportunities, particularly in tourism and conferencing.
Despite the promise, the BICC has not been without controversy.
On May 14, 2025, Parliament witnessed a standoff over the allocation of Sh4.5 billion from the Tourism Promotion Fund for renovations linked to the project.
On April 12, 2025, Parliament temporarily halted additional funding amid concerns over transparency and the scale of expenditure during a time of economic strain.
This raised concerns among MPs, who questioned why additional funds were needed for the renovation when the project was already covered.
“The Tourism Promotion Fund is meant to support tourism development, not projects that fall outside our mandate,” said Kareke Mbiuki, Chairman of the National Assembly Tourism and Wildlife Committee
“We are not prepared to approve the budget until we have a clear understanding of the programmes that these funds will support."
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano also voiced concerns, revealing that she had sought clarification from her counterpart, CS John Mbadi, regarding the directive.
On March 11, 2025, former DP, Rigathi Gachagua, alleged that Bomas had been sold to a Turkish national.
The government, through Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, refuted the claims.
“Bomas of Kenya has not been sold. The property remains publicly owned and continues to fulfil its cultural mandate," Bashir said.
Tuya also clarified, noting that the modernisation project is not a privatisation scheme.
“Bomas will remain under public ownership and its cultural mandate is protected," the PS added.
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