Tourism Minister Faces Parliamentary Deadline Over Delayed Sh42 Billion Convention Centre Project
Nairobi, 7 May 2026
Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano missed a 48-hour parliamentary deadline to explain the complex funding arrangements for Kenya’s Sh42 billion Bomas International Convention Centre reconstruction. With the facility only 35% complete and less than a week remaining before the scheduled Africa-France summit on 11-12 May 2026, MPs are questioning whether the venue will be ready in time. The project, managed by China Road and Bridge Corporation under Kenya Defence Forces oversight, has faced significant delays since construction began in March 2024, forcing organisers to consider alternative venues including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Parliamentary Ultimatum Expires Amid Mounting Pressure
The parliamentary committee’s deadline passed on Tuesday, 7 May 2026, after Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano failed to appear before MPs who had demanded explanations by 5 May 2026 [1]. Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who issued the ultimatum, had warned that the committee would not proceed without adequate time to scrutinise the complex funding arrangements [1]. The missed deadline has heightened tensions as Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa confirmed that the BICC would likely fail to host the Africa-France summit scheduled for 11-12 May 2026 [1]. This admission has prompted serious questions about Kenya’s ability to deliver on its international commitments, with less than four days remaining before the high-profile diplomatic event.
Complex Funding Structure Under Scrutiny
The project’s financial arrangements have proven particularly contentious, with the initial tender awarded to Summa Turizm Yatirimciligi Sirketi Construction in November 2023 at Sh31.7 billion before being terminated due to funding issues and scope changes [1]. The current contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, is overseeing construction under Kenya Defence Forces supervision, with Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru confirming these arrangements [1]. The National Treasury has directed the Tourism Fund to allocate Sh4.5 billion annually from tourism levy and air passenger service charge collections towards the project [1]. This represents a significant increase from the original tender price, with the total cost now reaching Sh42 billion, marking a 32.492 per cent increase from the initial contract value.
Construction Timeline Raises Serious Doubts
Construction began on 19 March 2024, but progress has been slower than anticipated, with the project currently at only 35 per cent completion [1]. The scheduled completion date of 19 June 2026 appears increasingly unrealistic given the current pace of work [1]. MP Kareke Mbiuki expressed concerns about the timing, stating: “We know the Africa-France conference will be done, but hosting is another issue. That is why we are jittery, especially on the protocols involved, but we remain optimistic…less than a month to go and we are still in the construction mode” [1]. The Kenya Wildlife Service has recently begun clearing 76 acres of Nairobi National Park land for the project as of 5 May 2026, suggesting that significant groundwork is still ongoing [1].
Alternative Venues and Regional Competition
With the BICC’s readiness in doubt, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre has submitted its bid to host the Africa-France summit [1]. This development underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential reputational damage to Kenya’s hosting capabilities. The timing is particularly significant as Kenya faces increasing competition in the regional convention and tourism sector. On 1 May 2026, the Tembo International Convention Centre was announced on the Kenyan coast, capable of hosting over 6,000 delegates and positioning itself as a competitor in the MICE tourism market [2]. Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 placed Bomas of Kenya under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, adding another layer of complexity to the project’s governance structure [1].