Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has welcomed the government’s decision to operationalize the Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB), saying the move cements Kenya’s position as a leading global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Speaking shortly after the directive was issued, Miano said the Kenya National Convention Bureau will serve as the central driver of the country’s business events strategy.
“The National Convention Bureau is crucial for capitalizing on the MICE sector’s potential. The bureau will act as the central driver of Kenya’s business events strategy, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and attracting international business events and association congresses that will advance Kenya’s MICE agenda as a key driver of tourism and overall economic growth,” said Miano.
She noted that the bureau will help increase foreign exchange earnings through higher conference tourism receipts, thereby supporting the country’s current account balance.
Miano added that the initiative aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Tourism Sector Master Plan, both of which identify MICE tourism as a high-growth area.
“The bureau will significantly contribute to addressing critical issues for the destination while positioning Kenya competitively in the global meetings industry,” she said.
The operationalization of the bureau comes at a time when Kenya has been selected to host the 2026 COMESA–EAC–SADC Tripartite Summit.
According to Miano, the summit places Kenya at the center of Africa’s economic and political integration agenda, bringing together three of the continent’s largest regional economic blocs.
She noted that the decision to award Kenya the 2026 summit reflects growing confidence in the country’s institutional readiness to host high-level international events, particularly following the establishment of the Kenya National Convention Bureau.
“The operationalization of the Kenya National Convention Bureau is a strategic milestone for our tourism and events ecosystem,” Miano said. “It provides a dedicated structure to attract, coordinate and deliver large-scale international conferences and summits, and the 2026 Tripartite Summit is a strong affirmation of this renewed capacity.”
Miano attributed the milestone to the leadership of President William Ruto, saying it underscores Kenya’s rising stature on the continental and global stage. She added that the summit will strengthen the country’s diplomatic profile while unlocking substantial economic opportunities through business tourism.
The Cabinet Secretary said the Kenya National Convention Bureau will play a central role in leveraging the Tripartite Summit to position Kenya for future global meetings, exhibitions and incentives travel. She described the bureau as a one-stop platform that will coordinate stakeholders, enhance service standards and market Kenya as a preferred MICE destination.
“MICE tourism is a high-value segment with wide-ranging multiplier effects,” Miano said. “Delegates contribute significantly to hospitality, transport, creative industries and small businesses, while supporting skills development and job creation across the value chain.”
She further noted that revenues generated from MICE tourism contribute to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
“As we prepare to welcome the world in 2026, the Kenya National Convention Bureau will be at the forefront of showcasing our readiness, professionalism and commitment to sustainable, world-class event hosting,” she said.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has been deliberate in its efforts to grow the MICE sector. Currently, construction works at the Bomas of Kenya are progressing at an advanced stage, with the facility expected to be fully operational by April 2026. Once completed, it is projected to be the largest convention centre in East Africa.
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