Bomas International Convention Complex nears completion under KDF engineers

The Bomas International Convention Complex is nearing completion under the supervision of Kenya Defence Forces engineers, with tiling, glazing and roofing progressing alongside final interior works, external finishes and access roads.

Inside BICC. /Handout

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo shared the update, linking the project to the 2025 Jamhuri Day theme of Tourism, Wildlife and MICE while advancing discussion on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030.

The transformation turns the iconic Bomas of Kenya into a world-class conferencing and exhibitions hub. Its location next to Nairobi National Park brings business tourism together with the country’s cultural and wildlife heritage in one destination.

Such infrastructure supports efforts to reposition Nairobi as a competitive global commercial capital rather than a regional transit point.

Spread across more than 323,500 square metres, the complex will feature an 11,000-delegate convention arena with 35 meeting rooms. It includes a 5,000-seat main auditorium, a 3,500-seat secondary hall, a Presidential Pavilion for up to 30 Heads of State and a 3,000-capacity banquet hall.

Ongoing works. /Handout

Future phases are planned to add luxury hotels, a shopping mall, food court, recreational facilities, a heliport and extensive parking. An enhanced cultural zone and animal orphanage form part of the longer-term layout.

For the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, the project carries a strategic dimension. A facility of this scale requires a safe and secure environment. It reinforces the State’s responsibility to safeguard Nairobi, its critical infrastructure, international visitors and major national assets.

The development sits within broader efforts to expand Kenya’s capacity for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Officials have previously described the complex as among the largest of its kind planned for the region once fully operational.

Work continues on supporting elements including access roads that will improve circulation around the Langata site. The combination of convention facilities with cultural and wildlife elements aims to create a single destination capable of hosting high-profile international events.

Tiling. /Handout

Progress on the main structures has reached advanced stages of finishing. The focus remains on completing the core convention spaces while preparing the ground for later phases that will expand hospitality and commercial offerings.

The project has drawn attention for the scale of construction activity and the involvement of specialised engineering capacity from the Kenya Defence Forces. Its proximity to the national park and existing cultural facilities at Bomas of Kenya underpins the dual focus on business tourism and heritage.

As final works advance, the complex is positioned to support Nairobi’s role in continental and global gatherings. The Presidential Pavilion and large auditorium capacities are designed to accommodate diplomatic and multilateral events of significant size.

Details on the exact operational timeline continue to evolve with construction progress. The current phase prioritises the completion of key interior and exterior elements required for the main convention facilities.