The skepticism was palpable when President Ruto announced it, but the steel and concrete rising at Lang’ata tells a different story. The Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC), a flagship project of the Kenya Kwanza administration, has defied critics to hit the 40% completion mark.

With a deadline set for May 2026 to host the France-Africa Summit, the site is a beehive of activity. Over 3,000 workers are on-site, working in shifts under the watchful eye of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to ensure this Ksh 35 billion project does not become another white elephant.

Beyond the Brick and Mortar

"This is not just a building; it is a job factory," remarked Acting CEO Jimmy Okidiang. The project has absorbed thousands of youths, offering a lifeline in an economy gasping for employment opportunities. Brenda Chepkemoi, a 20-year-old mason, is one such beneficiary. "I learned to lay stones here. Now I feed my parents," she says.

• The Vision: A world-class hub to rival Dubai’s World Trade Centre and Singapore Expo.
• The Capacity: A 5,000-seat main hall, a 3,500-seat auditorium, and luxury hotels.
• The Green Factor: The facility is designed to be fully solar-powered and eco-friendly.

The Verdict

If completed on time, the BICC will be a game-changer for Kenya’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. However, the clock is ticking. With less than five months to the May deadline, the government is sprinting a marathon. Success will cement Nairobi’s status as the diplomatic capital of Africa; failure is not an option the President is willing to entertain.