MPs raise concerns over Ksh42B Bomas International Convention Complex
By Faith Lagat, March 26, 2026Members of the National Assembly have raised concerns over the Ksh42 billion Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC), questioning its cost, planning and readiness to host the Africa–France Summit scheduled for May 12.
The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, sought answers from Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru during a session at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The project is financed by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, with the Ministry of Defence overseeing construction works at the Bomas of Kenya site in Lang’ata.
Mariru assured the committee that the facility will be completed in time for the summit, noting that the project remains on course.
“The President has committed to hosting the summit at Bomas and I can assure the Committee that the facility will be ready for the event,” he stated.
Once completed, the convention complex will sit on a 12-acre piece of land and have a seating capacity of about 11,000. The facility will include a 5,000-seater convention hall, a 3,500-seat auditorium and a 28-seat presidential lounge.
According to Mariru, about 2,300 workers are currently on site working day and night to meet the construction timeline.
Lawmakers seek procurement details
Despite the assurances, several lawmakers questioned whether the project could be completed within the set timeframe and called for greater transparency in procurement.
Committee chair Mbiuki sought clarification on whether Kenya had formally secured the rights to host the Africa–France Summit, noting reports that a French delegation had inspected the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) as a possible venue.
Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi asked the ministry to provide details on subcontracted firms and the project’s payment schedule.
“Submit the names of the companies and the payment schedule. We do not want a repeat of a situation where companies that were subcontracted to repair KICC are still owed Ksh550 million,” he said.
Cost and deadline concerns raised
Other MPs also raised questions about the cost and progress of the project. Fafi MP Farah Yakub said the construction timeline appeared tight, noting that the project was about 35 per cent complete with only weeks remaining before the summit.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe cautioned against concentrating excessive tourism promotion funds on a single project at the expense of other initiatives, although he acknowledged the potential benefits of the complex.
However, Lamu East MP Obo Ruweida defended the project, citing its potential to boost Kenya’s conference tourism and praising the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces in the construction works.
She said the facility could position Kenya as a leading destination for international conferences and events once completed.