KICC/FILE
The Senate is inquiring into the alleged deteriorating condition of the iconic KICC, barely two years after the government spent Sh1.9 billion renovating the facility.
The development came amid revelations the country's premier conference venue is experiencing what has been described as a decline in maintenance, sanitation, security and management.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei raised the concern, stating that despite the massive renovation of the facility ahead of the Africa Climate Summit, KICC is in a "sorry state".
The senator said reports from tenants, employees and visitors paint a picture of a facility that has fallen into disrepair despite the huge public investment made in its refurbishment.
He cited poorly maintained facilities, dark corridors, inadequate fumigation and pest control, and unrestricted access to the premises by hawkers and unauthorised persons.
"This situation raises serious concerns regarding the management of a key national facility, the safety and security of staff, tenants and visitors, prudent management of public resources, and the centre's ability to effectively host national, regional and international conferences and events," Cherargei said.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over recent changes in security personnel at the convention centre, saying questions had emerged over the capability of the new security provider to safeguard the strategic national facility.
He wants the Senate Trade Committee to explain what informed the change of security providers, the procurement process used to engage the current security firm and whether adequate due diligence was conducted before the contract was awarded.
"We should be told what informed the recent changes in the provision of security services at the KICC, what procurement process was followed in engaging the current security firm, and what due diligence was undertaken to establish its capacity to provide adequate security services," he said.
The senator further demanded details of the measures taken to stop unrestricted access by hawkers, loiterers and other unauthorised persons, and the security protocols currently in place to protect tenants, delegates and visitors.
He also wants the committee to outline the current state of maintenance at the facility, including sanitation, lighting, fumigation and pest control, and explain what the management is doing to restore acceptable standards of cleanliness and safety.
Beyond the physical condition of the building, Cherargei questioned KICC's financial performance and governance.
He requested a breakdown of the convention centre's revenue over the past five financial years, comparing annual targets with actual collections, and an explanation for any increases or declines during the period.
"We would like to know what measures the KICC management has put in place to improve governance, operational efficiency, maintenance, security and overall service delivery at the centre," he said.
The senator further sought an update on the implementation of the auditor general's recommendations on governance, financial management and asset management, as well as planned refurbishment and modernisation programmes, their budgets and timelines.
He also wants the committee to disclose whether any disciplinary or administrative action has been taken against officials found responsible for the decline in the facility's management and operations.
The inquiry came months after KICC management defended the Sh1.9 billion renovation undertaken ahead of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in 2023, dismissing claims the project cost taxpayers Sh3.2 billion.
Appearing before a Senate committee in March 2025, KICC chief executive officer James Mwaura said the Tourism Promotion Fund financed the renovation, which included the refurbishment of conference rooms, hallways, pavements and flower gardens.
"KICC was renovated for Sh1.9 billion. This was a total overhaul of the facility. This amount was paid by the Tourism Promotion Fund," Mwaura told senators.
He said KICC currently posts about Sh200 million in annual profit after tax but has the potential to generate more than Sh700 million annually through expanded commercial activities, including the planned installation of AI-powered dancing fountains and the conversion of the iconic tower into a digital advertising platform.
Last year, members of the National Assembly also opened investigations into claims the government spent Sh3.2 billion on the renovation works, putting the management of the country's flagship conference facility under renewed scrutiny.
