Senators raise concerns over deteriorating KICC despite Sh1.9b renovation

Senators have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre despite the government spending Sh 1.9 billion on its renovation.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey, in a statement before the House, said that first-hand accounts from tenants, staff and other users of the facility indicate a noticeable decline in standards of maintenance, sanitation and security at KICC.

Cherarkey said that the building, which is one of the landmarks in Nairobi City has poorly maintained facilities, dark corridors, inadequate fumigation and pest control and unrestricted access to the premises by hawkers and unauthorized persons.

“I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53(1) to request a Statement from the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism regarding the deteriorating state of Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) which is one of our landmark buildings in Nairobi,” said Cherarkey.

 He told the house that recent changes in security personnel have raised concerns regarding the capacity of the current security provider to effectively safeguard the Centre, while questions have also arisen regarding the institution revenue performance and overall management.

Cherarkey said that this situation raises serious concerns regarding the management of a key national facility, the safety and security of staff, tenants and visitors, prudent management of public resources and the Centre’s ability to effectively host national, regional and international conferences and events.

“We should be told what informed the recent changes in the provision of security services at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, what procurement process was followed in engaging the current security firm, and what due diligence was undertaken to establish its capacity to provide adequate security services,” asked Cherarkey.

He sought to know measures in place to address concerns regarding inadequate security at the Centre, including unrestricted access to the premises by hawkers, loiterers and other unauthorized persons, and what security protocols are currently in place to safeguard staff, tenants, delegates and visitors.

The Nandi Senator said that the house should be informed about the current state of maintenance of the Centre, including sanitation, lighting, fumigation and pest control, and what measures the management has put in place to restore acceptable standards of cleanliness, safety and hygiene.

Cherarkey sought to know the annual revenue performance of KICC  over the last five financial years, indicating the revenue targets and actual revenue realized in each financial year, and what factors account for any increase or decline in revenue over the period.

“We would like to know What measures the KICC management has put in place to improve governance, operational efficiency, maintenance, security and overall service delivery at the Centre,” said Cherarkey.

The Nandi Senator sought to know what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Auditor-General relating to governance, financial management and asset management at KICC.

Cherarkey sought to know what refurbishment, rehabilitation and modernization programmes have been undertaken or are planned to restore the Centre to internationally acceptable standards, including the corresponding budgetary allocations and implementation timelines.

He sought to know what administrative, disciplinary or other corrective action has been taken, if any, against those found responsible for the deterioration in the management, maintenance, security and operational standards of the Centre.

KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura informed the Senate National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration Committee in March last year that the conference facility generates Sh 200 million in profits every year.

Mwaura told the Senate Committee chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute that even though the facility only makes Sh200 million in profits after tax, the state parastatal has the capacity to make more than Sh700 million per year in profits.

“KICC was renovated at a cost of Sh1.9billion, which  involved the refurbishment of various conference rooms, hallways, pavements, and flower gardens which was more of a makeover of the entire facility which was paid for by the Tourism Promotion Fund,” said Mwaura.

 He told the Senators the premier conference facility in the country has approved a procurement plan for the financial year 2024-25 to the tune of Sh634.65 million with Senators seeking to know why the management allowed the painting of the historical building in different colours.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah questioned Mwaura on whether a client can be allowed to interfere with the original painting of such an historical building, terming it very wrong and that it was wrong for the military, which was given that assignment, to do that.

Mwaura explained to the Senators that the State Corporation allows clients to foot such renovations to suit their taste, adding that the client in this case was the government that sought the renovation to host the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.

The CEO said that the Africa Climate Summit had some specifications of what they wanted which in this case was the government of Kenya which was the client and that there was no way they could refuse the renovation that was done by the military.

Mwaura said that in order for KICC to meet its full potential in revenue growth, the management was in the process of installing Dancing Fountains which will reinforce KICC’s commitment to offering world-class experiences.

“The fountains will be designed with cutting-edge technology, advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, enabling the water jets to move in perfect harmony with traditional contemporary Kenyan music attracting both local and international visitors boosting Nairobi’s profile as a global tourism and conference destination,” charged Mwaura.

The CEO further explained that the project aims to provide an exceptional experience for delegates attending conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, serving as an additional attraction, and offering a visually stunning and culturally immersive experience.

Mwaura told Senators that KICC tower is set to be transformed into a digital advertising platform, providing businesses with a high-visibility space to highlight their brands

Members of Parliament last year launched investigations into claims that the government spent Sh3.2billion to renovate KICC ahead of the Africa Climate Summit.

Established under the Tourism Act 2011, KICC’s mandate is to promote business of meetings, conferences and exhibitions.