President William Ruto on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, provided an update on the planned construction of Bomas International
Convention Complex.
The head of state informed Cabinet Secretaries who attended the meeting at State House Nairobi that the construction of Bomas to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility would commence in two weeks.
Ruto added that the scheduled construction is mainly aimed at making the historical venue meet modern demands, turning it into a world-class conferencing hub.
He further asserted that it would help position Bomas as a premier destination venue, hence rivaling other facilities in the country, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
“The President announced that construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex will begin in two weeks, marking a major milestone in the government’s plan to transform the facility into a world-class conferencing hub,” the cabinet despatch read in part.
“The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events,” it added.
Gachagua claims
Ruto’s statement comes days after the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that Bomas had been sold to a Turkish national who he did not immediately name.
Speaking at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, Gachagua alleged that the Cabinet had already approved the sale, despite objections from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
“As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national. The Cabinet was informed, and I was the only one who opposed it. I stood firm and said this is a national heritage; we cannot sell it,” Gachagua stated.
Government denies claims
Earlier, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Culture and Heritage, Ummi Mohammed Bashir, strongly refuted Gachagua’s claims.
She clarified that the facility was only being renovated. In a statement, the PS said Gachagua was part of the Cabinet that approved the plans to renovate the facility to international standards.
“The development of Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) was approved by Cabinet on August 8, 2023, after a Cabinet Memorandum presented by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Peninah Malonza,” Umma’s statement read in part.
