Kenya’s Jacinta Mbithi lands position at International Congress and Convention Association

Jacinta Nzioka-Mbithi (L) shares some destination promotional material with athletes Vivian Cheruiyot at a past event

Ms. Jacinta Mbithi- Nzioka , the coordinator of the Kenya National Convention Bureau has been elected to serve as deputy chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa chapter.

In a press statement availed to The Standard, ICCA confirmed the election of Ms. Jacinta as its deputy chair for a two-year term.

ICCA encompasses all major stakeholders in the world of association meetings.

Speaking on her new role, Jacinta said on Wednesday she is delighted and ready to give her input in the new position.

“I am excited to take up the position of ICCA Africa Chapter deputy chair and the opportunity to make an effective contribution to strengthening Kenya’s and Africa’s position in the international association meetings arena,” Jacinta who previously worked as Director of Marketing at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said.

The appointment comes at a time when the global Business Events and Meetings industry is reeling from the disruptive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Destinations in Africa have an opportunity to build a united public and private sector stakeholder and supplier community that aligns and speaks with a united voice to tackle the current challenges. The ICCA Africa Chapter offers the platform to realise shared goals and develop rebound strategies once the crisis is over.”

''With the appointment, comes the responsibility to galvanise members from all corners of the continent as one industry to sharpen the value proposition of Africa in the global meetings industry”, Jacinta added.

The Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA) chairman, Mr. Victor Shitakah commended ICCA for selecting Jacinta and said that it was a win both for Jacinta and Kenya's tourism as a whole.

''We are in very depressing times as an industry owing to Covid-19 pandemic. Her election could not have come at a better time as we try to navigate through post-COVID-19 era,'' Shitakah who is also General Manager of Pride Inn Group of Hotels (Coast) said.

Shitakah said that it was befitting to have a Kenyan recognised by ICCA assume full responsibilities.

'' We have a vibrant Mice industry and with Jacinta at the top, we definitely should be able to benefit immensely as a long haul destination of choice,'' he said.

Kenya has a number of tourist facilities that are accredited by ICCA and they include the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Safari Park Hotel, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa and Pride Inn Beach Resort Convention Centre & Spa respectively