APHRC expands Ulwazi Place to tap into growing MICE tourism market in Nairobi

Located within the APHRC campus in Kitisuru and managed by Trianum Hospitality, the expanded facility is expected to increase capacity for international conferences, institutional meetings and professional gatherings, with space for more than 1,000 guests across a ballroom, rooftop venue, conference rooms, boardrooms, accommodation and outdoor event areas.

The expansion comes as Kenya positions itself more aggressively in the global business tourism market. Data cited from the Economic Survey 2026 shows the country recorded 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with roughly a quarter visiting for business-related purposes.

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Shaukat Abdulrazak said the upgraded facility would serve as a convening space linking research, policy and innovation, describing it as a platform where “ideas meet action” for African-led solutions.

Trianum Hospitality, which has overseen the upgrade, said Ulwazi Place has evolved from a small meeting venue with capacity for about 60 people into a full-scale conference destination. The company said the redesign integrates themed interiors inspired by African landscapes under the “Tembea Africa” concept.

According to APHRC deputy executive director Joseph Gichuru, the expanded centre will reduce reliance on external venues and strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers and development partners by keeping convenings within a single campus environment.

The project also aligns with Kenya’s broader tourism strategy, which targets 5.5 million international arrivals annually by 2027, with a stronger focus on conference tourism, wellness travel and digital nomad infrastructure.

Trianum Hospitality chief executive Liza Uku said the location’s proximity to diplomatic missions and international organisations in Nairobi positions it to attract more high-level regional and global events.