The Kenya Tourism Board projects a 60 percent increase in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segment for the coming year, driven by government investment in convention facilities and airport capacity.

CEO June Chepkemei highlighted three new venues – Bomas International Convention Complex, Kisumu Convention Centre and Tembo International Convention Centre on the coast – as central to attracting large international events.

Bomas is designed to host up to 10,000 delegates, while the Kisumu and Mombasa facilities will accommodate 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively, expanding Kenya’s capacity for major conferences and exhibitions.

Plans to raise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s annual passenger‑handling capacity from about 8 million to 20 million aim to improve access for international business travellers and event organisers.

Chepkemei delivered these announcements at the World Travel Market in London, where Kenya is represented by more than 40 tourism trade partners showcasing the country’s attractions.

The Kenya Wildlife Service is offering discounts of up to 30 percent to international organisations and event planners that hold meetings in national parks, alongside incentives for charter flights and cruise tourism.

Samburu County is providing a 50 percent waiver on park entry fees for filmmakers and organised visitor groups, reducing the standard US$88 fee to encourage visitation to Samburu National Reserve.

County officials also cite the upgraded Great North Road linking Kenya to Ethiopia as a key factor improving accessibility to northern tourism destinations and attracting investment.