The Bomas of Kenya will not be ready in time to host the 2026 Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit, a parliamentary committee has confirmed following an inspection of the ongoing redevelopment works.

The high-level summit, slated for May 11 and 12, had initially been earmarked for the iconic Nairobi venue, which is currently undergoing a multi-billion-shilling transformation into a modern international conference hub.

However, members of the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife were informed that construction timelines would not align with the scheduled event.

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Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa told the committee, led by Vice-Chairperson Bedzimba Rashid, that despite steady progress, the facility would not be completed within the required timeframe.

“Our inspection has established that the works will not be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” Rashid said during the site visit.

Even with the delay, lawmakers expressed satisfaction with both the pace and quality of the ongoing reconstruction, noting that the project remains a worthwhile investment for the country’s tourism and conferencing sectors.

“The committee is satisfied that there is value for money in the project, which is aimed at transforming Bomas into a world-class facility,” Rashid added.

The MPs reiterated their support for the government’s ambitious plan to upgrade the site into the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC), a flagship project expected to position Kenya as a premier destination for global conferences and events.

Voi MP Khamis Chome confirmed that the Africa–France summit had since been relocated due to the unavailability of the venue, emphasizing that the decision was necessary to allow construction works to proceed without undue pressure.

“Changing the venue for the summit from Bomas was a pragmatic decision that will ensure the multi-billion project is implemented without pressure,” Chome said.

Summa is undertaking the redevelopment of the Bomas of Kenya, estimated to cost Sh31.7 billion, under the oversight of the Ministry of Defence.

Once complete, the facility-renamed the Bomas International Convention Centre-is expected to host more than 10,000 delegates and feature a mix of conference, hospitality, and state facilities.

Central to the project is a massive conference complex comprising interconnected structures designed to accommodate large-scale international gatherings.

The centerpiece will be a 5,000-seat main auditorium equipped with modern acoustics, multiple balconies, VIP sections, and expansive foyer spaces to facilitate smooth movement of delegates.

In addition to conference facilities, the development will include hotels and a presidential pavilion, reinforcing its capacity to host high-level diplomatic engagements and global summits.

Sustainability has also been integrated into the design, with the project set to incorporate solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient air-source heat pumps.

Landscaping plans aim to preserve existing trees while introducing new vegetation to enhance the site’s environmental appeal.

Construction had initially been scheduled for completion by April 2026, just weeks before the summit. However, officials now indicate that additional time will be required to finalize the works and ensure the facility meets international standards.