Bomas Not Ready for Africa–France Summit as Renovations Continue

 Bomas of Kenya will not be ready in time to host the upcoming Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit scheduled for May 11–12, lawmakers have been told.

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife confirmed the delay following an inspection tour of the facility, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations to transform it into a modern conference complex.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa informed the committee that the ongoing facelift would not be completed within the required timeline. The inspection was led by Vice-Chairperson Bedzimba Rashid, who said the findings clearly showed the venue would miss the deadline.

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

Despite the setback, the committee expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the construction works, noting that the project offers value for money. Lawmakers reiterated their backing for the government’s plan to upgrade the facility into the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC), a project aimed at elevating Kenya’s status as a global conferencing hub.

Khamis Chome confirmed that the summit had already been relocated due to the venue’s unavailability, terming the decision pragmatic to avoid rushing the multi-billion-shilling project.

“Changing the venue for the summit from Bomas was a practical move that allows the project to proceed without undue pressure,” Chome said.

Meanwhile, Taib Abubakar highlighted the long-term benefits of the redevelopment, noting it is expected to create employment opportunities for young people upon completion.

Ololtuaa described the BICC project as a landmark initiative that will significantly boost Kenya’s tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

“Once complete, the BICC will position Kenya as a premier destination for high-level national and international events,” he said.

The committee pledged continued oversight to ensure accountability and prudent use of public funds as the project progresses.