The Senate has launched an inquiry into the declining state of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), less than two years after a government-funded renovation costing Sh1.9 billion.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei raised alarms over the facility's poor maintenance, sanitation, security, and overall management. Despite the significant investment made ahead of the Africa Climate Summit, reports from tenants, staff, and visitors describe the centre as being in a "sorry state." Issues highlighted include poorly maintained infrastructure, dark corridors, insufficient pest control, and unauthorized access by hawkers and loiterers.
Senator Cherargei expressed concerns about the recent change in security providers, questioning the procurement process and whether proper due diligence was conducted to ensure the new firm can adequately protect the strategic national asset.
Key Issues Raised by the Senate
- Current state of maintenance, including lighting, fumigation, and cleanliness
- Security protocols and control of unauthorized access
- Financial performance over the past five years with a breakdown of revenue against targets
- Implementation of auditor general's recommendations on governance and asset management
- Plans for further refurbishment and modernization, including budgets and timelines
- Any disciplinary measures against officials responsible for the decline
Earlier, KICC's CEO James Mwaura defended the Sh1.9 billion renovation, clarifying that the Tourism Promotion Fund financed the comprehensive overhaul, which included conference rooms, pavements, and gardens. He also revealed that KICC currently earns about Sh200 million in annual profit after tax, with potential to exceed Sh700 million through expanded commercial activities such as AI-powered fountains and digital advertising on the tower.
The investigation follows previous scrutiny by the National Assembly over claims that the renovation cost was Sh3.2 billion, which KICC management has disputed.
