Kenya to construct second International Convention Centre to start in two weeks
President William Ruto has announced plans to construct the Bomas International Convention Complex in the next two weeks, a move aimed at transforming the facility into a world-class conferencing hub. Speaking after chairing a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, the Head of State said the project will redefine Bomas of Kenya’s role in positioning the country as a premier destination for global events.
Once completed, the new convention complex will become Kenya’s second international conference centre after the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), strengthening the country’s capacity to host large-scale meetings, exhibitions, and international summits.
The Cabinet also approved the finalization of the construction framework and the groundbreaking of the 170-kilometer Rironi-Mau Summit Road by June 1, 2025. The road, which links Nairobi to Nakuru and Western Kenya, will be upgraded from a single-carriageway to a four-lane dual-carriageway.
The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance regional connectivity. The government has set a completion timeline of 24 months, with the project slated to be ready by June 2027.
In a move to enhance public health and safety, the Cabinet approved a nationwide asbestos removal initiative targeting both public and private buildings. Asbestos, classified as a human carcinogen, has been linked to severe health conditions, including lung cancer.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee the safe removal, disposal, and handling of asbestos, with building owners expected to cover the costs. Government buildings, hospitals, and schools built in the 1970s are expected to be the most affected by this directive.
To address rising youth unemployment, the Cabinet also endorsed the Internship and Volunteer Policy and Guidelines for the Public Service. The policy seeks to standardize the recruitment, engagement, and management of interns and volunteers in government institutions, creating structured opportunities for young people to gain work experience.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of empowering youth, equipping them with practical skills, and enhancing their employability in the job.
These key policy approvals underscore the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, public health, and youth empowerment. The construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex, the upgrading of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, asbestos removal, and the internship policy are all expected to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and long-term development.
