The update was confirmed by Bomas of Kenya acting Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Okidiang, who said the project is progressing steadily and has already begun attracting international attention.
Despite being under construction, the facility has secured bookings for major global events, including the Africa–France Summit scheduled for May 2026.
The early bookings underscore growing confidence in Kenya’s capacity to host high-level international conferences and signal the strategic importance of the project to the country’s diplomatic and economic ambitions.
Once complete, the BICC will be able to host up to 11,000 delegates, making it the largest conferencing facility in East and Central Africa.
The complex is designed to significantly elevate Kenya’s profile in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, a sector the government views as a key driver of tourism-led economic growth.
President William Ruto has repeatedly described the BICC as a central pillar of Kenya’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking during Jamhuri Thematic Week last December, the President said the facility was being constructed around the clock to ensure it begins generating revenue as soon as possible.
“We are building the largest conferencing facility in East and Central Africa, right at the Bomas of Kenya,” President Ruto said.
“It is being constructed 24 hours a day because I have set a timeline for it to begin generating revenue for the country.”
The Head of State emphasized that large-scale conference infrastructure goes beyond hosting events, describing it as a catalyst for job creation, investment, and international recognition.
He linked the BICC to broader efforts to leverage Kenya’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, and modern infrastructure to position the country as a holistic business-tourism destination.
According to Okidiang, the economic impact of the BICC will extend far beyond the convention halls themselves.
He said the project will create a ripple effect across multiple sectors of the economy, including hospitality, transport, agriculture, and entertainment.
“Farmers will supply fresh produce, taxi drivers will transport delegates, and hotels and restaurants will cater to visitors,” Okidiang said, noting that the facility will inject significant revenue into the wider economy while creating employment opportunities across the board.
The BICC represents a major upgrade from the existing Bomas amphitheatre, which has a seating capacity of about 3,400.
The new complex more than triples that capacity and includes a presidential pavilion capable of hosting up to 30 heads of state, positioning Kenya to host high-level summits and diplomatic gatherings.
Okidiang described the project as a “game changer” for both Kenya and the wider region, adding that Nairobi is on course to join the ranks of established global conference cities such as Singapore, Dubai, and Cape Town.
He said the facility’s modern architectural design and cutting-edge technology set it apart from other regional venues.
“We are not just building a facility; we are building a legacy,” Okidiang said.
“The BICC will transform Nairobi’s global standing and cement Kenya’s place on the world stage.”