Nairobi:Kenya is positioning itself for significant growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, with the segment expected to grow by 60% next year. This growth is driven by major government investments in convention infrastructure, airport expansion, and improved connectivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei stated that investments in major convention facilities, such as the Bomas International Convention Complex, Kisumu Convention Centre, and the Tembo International Convention Centre on the Kenyan Coast, are enhancing the country’s capacity to host large-scale international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.
In 2025, the conferencing segment accounted for 643,068 (25%) of the total arrivals. Chepkemei noted that with the Bomas International Convention Complex expected to accommodate 10,000 delegates, and the Kisumu and Mombasa convention facilities accommodating 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively, there is confidence that the MICE segment will significantly boost visitor arrivals from next year.
Plans to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s passenger-handling capacity from approximately 8 million to 20 million are expected to further enhance Kenya’s ability to attract international events, business travelers, and tourism investors. These developments are part of Kenya’s ambition to establish itself as a leading MICE destination in Africa, while unlocking new investment opportunities across the wider tourism sector.
Chepkemei was speaking at the ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Kenya is represented by over 40 tourism trade partners showcasing the country’s diverse tourism attractions and experiences. Beyond MICE, Kenya is strengthening its tourism investment proposition through targeted incentives, strategic partnerships, and the development of emerging wildlife destinations.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Chairman Joseph Lagat mentioned that the service is pursuing initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of national parks and reserves through innovative tourism products, incentives, and increased private-sector participation. Measures include discounts of up to 30% to encourage international organizations, corporates, and event planners to host meetings and conferences within national parks, alongside incentives for charter flights and cruise tourism.
KWS is also promoting multi-park safari packages covering destinations such as Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West, while encouraging investment in accommodation facilities in lesser-visited destinations. These include Meru, Mount Longonot, Marsabit, Sibiloi, Aberdare, Mwea, Saiwa Swamp, Ruma, Ndere Island, and Mount Elgon.
Lagat highlighted that the strategy seeks to spread tourism beyond established destinations while creating new investment opportunities and economic benefits for communities surrounding protected areas. Initiatives such as Safari Kenya Live, in collaboration with WildEarth, are leveraging international digital platforms to showcase lesser-known destinations.
In Northern Kenya, Samburu is positioning itself as an emerging investment and tourism destination. Samburu County Executive Committee Member for Tourism Raphael Lenayiarra stated that the county is offering targeted incentives to filmmakers, tour operators, travel agents, and organized visitor groups to increase destination visibility and attract more visitors to Samburu National Reserve. The incentives include a 50% waiver on applicable park entry fees for targeted categories.
Government investments in road and air infrastructure, such as the Great North Road linking Kenya to Ethiopia, are improving accessibility to tourism destinations across Northern Kenya and opening up new opportunities for the region. The national and county-level initiatives reflect Kenya’s broader ambition to position tourism as a driver of investment, employment creation, and regional economic growth.
