Kenya Eyes 60 Per Cent Growth in Conference Tourism as New Facilities Set to Boost Visitor Numbers
Kenya is positioning itself for a major expansion in business and conference tourism, with the government targeting a 60 per cent increase in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in 2027.
Kenya is positioning itself for a major expansion in business and conference tourism, with the government targeting a 60 per cent increase in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in 2027.
The growth strategy will be supported by investments in modern conference facilities, airport expansion and improved transport infrastructure aimed at attracting more international organisations and business travellers.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the country expects newly developed convention centres to strengthen its ability to host large international gatherings and increase the number of visitors arriving for business-related activities.
Among the key projects expected to support this ambition are the Bomas International Convention Complex, Kisumu Convention Centre and Tembo International Convention Centre at the Coast.
The three facilities are designed to accommodate approximately 10,000, 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively, significantly expanding Kenya’s capacity to host major conferences and international events.
According to Chepkemei, the additional infrastructure will help position Kenya as a preferred destination for global conferences while creating opportunities for growth across the tourism industry.
Data from the Kenya Tourism Board shows that conference tourism attracted 643,068 visitors in 2025, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of the country’s total tourist arrivals.
The planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is also expected to play an important role in achieving the target. The airport’s passenger-handling capacity is expected to increase from eight million to 20 million, improving Kenya’s ability to accommodate growing international traffic.
Chepkemei made the remarks during the World Travel Market in London, where Kenya participated alongside more than 40 tourism trade partners to promote its tourism offerings to the international market.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is introducing incentives to encourage international companies and organisations to hold conferences in national parks.
KWS Chairman Joseph Lagat said the agency was offering discounts of up to 30 per cent to organisations and corporate groups booking conferences within selected wildlife conservation areas.
The agency is also promoting multi-park safari packages while encouraging private investors to establish accommodation facilities in destinations that have traditionally attracted fewer visitors.
Some of the targeted locations include Meru, Marsabit, Ruma and Mount Elgon, which are expected to benefit from increased tourism activity and investment.
In Samburu County, authorities are equally introducing incentives to attract specialised tourism groups. The county government is offering a 50 per cent waiver on applicable park entry fees to selected groups, including filmmakers and organised visitors.
County Tourism Executive Raphael Lenayiarra noted that improvements in road infrastructure were opening up previously less accessible tourism destinations, particularly in Northern Kenya.
The various initiatives form part of Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism products, attract private sector investment and distribute the economic benefits of tourism beyond traditionally popular destinations.
With expanded conference facilities, improved airport capacity and new incentives for wildlife tourism, Kenya is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international business events and leisure travel.
