The iconic landmark is commonly known as KICC to mean International Convention Centre is set to celebrate 45 years since it was officially opened in September 1973 after its successful construction in the 1960’s.
The management will host the media to a ceremony to mark the day, 11th September, which the Ministry of Tourism’s Principal Secretary, Mr. Joe Okudo, will be a chief guest.
The 28 storey building is famous for its height which has made it synonymous among Kenyans and foreigners touring the capital. KICC is one of Kenya’s most sentimental buildings with the first president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta having presided the building’s opening ceremony.
KICC first and most prestigious event to host was the IMF/World Bank conference in September 1973 opening the doors for many more major events such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union Summit in 2008, the 8th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), 7th Global Conference on health, the 5th Pan African Malaria Conference and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Congress.
KICC is the largest Convention center in Eastern Africa with the capacity to hold a large number of delegates. KICC is mostly known as a conference venue, however, its main mandate is to promote the country as a destination most preferred for business travel and Meetings, Incentives travel, Conferences and Exhibitions which are also known as MICE tourism after it was established under the Tourism Act, on 2011, and is now, hence, a State Corporation.
Under the economic pillar on the Kenya Vision 2030, M.I.C.E has been one of the four key products to be developed.
KICC’s management is expected to unveil the institution’s plans to position Kenya as a favorable M.I.C.E destination during the event.