By Anderson Ojwang
The recent Cabinet approval of the Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB) will position the country as a destination and is a move in the right direction.
Mr Frank Murangwa, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Regional Director, based in Rwanda, said it was important for Kenya to have the right team to make the Bureau productive to the country’s agenda.
He said if the Bureau is handed the right structure and strategy, it would position Kenya as one of the leading MICE tourism destinations on the continent.
“In 2014, Rwanda took the right step to create a bureau. The country had limited data, but currently the Bureau has stabilised the country on data and information, and Rwanda is ranked second on the continent,” he said.
He said the Bureau should work with departments such as Utalii College to position the country on the continent and in marketing the country.
Murangwa said Kenya has what it takes to make the Bureau robust through private sector participation and that Kenya should be a leading destination on the continent.
“My role is to support destinations in growth. The MICE industry is a powerful tool to countries, and the move by the Kenya Government was the right one in the right direction,” he said in an interview.
He said the more the Bureau becomes functional, the more business it brings to the country, and that the team must get it right.
“Convention bureaus have been supporting their countries in growth, and that is why established ones have impacted positively on growth and contributed to the economy,” he said.
He said the decision by the Kenya Government to establish a bureau was a welcome move for the continent and that ICCA works with new convention bureaus by helping in their set-up.
Chief Executive Officer of Utalii College, Mr Mark Rachuonyo, said the establishment of the Bureau was a milestone and provides the country, and Africa’s hospitality training institution, Kenya Utalii College (KUC), with the opportunity to be the key link in nurturing and equipping personnel.
He said the institution was equipped and focused on providing specialised training in the travel sector on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), a lucrative part of business travel that brings large groups together for professional, commercial and networking purposes.
“The KNCB, which intends to position the country as a leading hub for meetings, incentives and exhibitions (MICE), is in tandem with the country’s Tourism Master Plan,” he said.
Kenya Utalii College has for several decades been training personnel in the tourism and hospitality sector, and the establishment of the Bureau provides the institution with the opportunity to be the training centre.
The Kenya Convention Bureau is expected to offer a wide range of services, including:
“Pre- and post-bid support – handling requests for proposals and bid promotion.
Sourcing of suitable venues, accommodation, professional conference organisers, destination management companies and other industry supplier options.
Hosting and co-ordination of site inspection visits. Advice on marketing and sponsorship.
Delegate boosting support. Advice on the social and legacy components of the event.
Pre- and post-tour and incentive group travel advice and supplier connections.
Provision of promotional material, including guides, destination videos and other collateral.”
Kenya Convention Bureau’s client support services include:
“Destination expertise, advisory services, bid support, delegate boosting, site inspection visits, event planning support, on-site event services and pre- and post-meeting itineraries.”
Rachuonyo said the Bureau will co-ordinate the planning, marketing and delivery of international conventions and events, ensuring the country maximises both economic and diplomatic benefits from hosting major regional and global gatherings.
“The National Convention Bureau is crucial for capitalising on the MICE sector’s potential. The Bureau will act as the central driver of Kenya’s business events strategy, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and attracting international business events and association congresses that will advance Kenya’s MICE agenda as a key driver of tourism and overall economic growth,” Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Rebecca Miano said after the approval.
Miano added that the initiative aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Tourism Sector Master Plan, both of which identify MICE tourism as a high-growth area.
She noted that the decision to award Kenya the 2026 Tripartite Summit reflects growing confidence in the country’s institutional readiness to host high-level international events.
“The operationalisation of the Kenya National Convention Bureau is a strategic milestone for our tourism and events ecosystem. It provides a dedicated structure to attract, co-ordinate and deliver large-scale international conferences and summits, and the 2026 Tripartite Summit is a strong affirmation of this renewed capacity,” Miano said.
She added that the summit will strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic profile while unlocking substantial economic opportunities through business tourism.
“MICE tourism is a high-value segment with wide-ranging multiplier effects. Delegates contribute significantly to hospitality, transport, creative industries and small businesses, while supporting skills development and job creation across the value chain,” she explained.
Miano said revenues generated from MICE tourism contribute to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
“As we prepare to welcome the world in 2026, the Kenya National Convention Bureau will be at the forefront of showcasing our readiness, professionalism and commitment to sustainable, world-class event hosting,” she said.
