Kenya targets 60% growth in conference tourism

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said new convention centres, including the Bomas International Convention Complex, Kisumu Convention Centre and Tembo International Convention Centre at the Coast, will increase the country's capacity to host international events.

The facilities are expected to accommodate 10,000, 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively. In 2025, conference tourism accounted for 643,068 visitors, representing 25% of total arrivals.

"With the Bomas International Convention Complex expected to accommodate 10,000 delegates, while the Kisumu and Mombasa convention facilities will accommodate 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively, we are confident that the MICE segment will significantly boost our visitor arrivals from next year," Chepkemei said.

She added that the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's passenger-handling capacity from eight million to 20 million would further strengthen Kenya's position as a business tourism destination.

Chepkemei spoke at the World Travel Market in London, where Kenya was represented by more than 40 tourism trade partners.

Meanwhile, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Chairman Joseph Lagat said the agency was offering discounts of up to 30% to encourage international organisations and corporates to host conferences within national parks.

KWS is also promoting multi-park safari packages and encouraging private investment in accommodation facilities in less-visited destinations, including Meru, Marsabit, Ruma and Mount Elgon.

In Samburu, the county government is offering targeted groups, including filmmakers and organised visitors, a 50% waiver on applicable park entry fees to attract more tourists.

County Tourism Executive Raphael Lenayiarra said improved transport infrastructure would open up tourism opportunities in Northern Kenya.

"The Great North Road linking Kenya to Ethiopia is an important development that is improving accessibility to tourism destinations across Northern Kenya and opening up new opportunities for the region," Lenayiarra said.

The initiatives aim to diversify Kenya's tourism products, attract private investment and spread tourism benefits across more regions.