Kenya targets 60% MICE tourism growth with new convention centres and incentives for 2027

Kenya is preparing for a major increase in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in 2027, with the segment projected to grow by 60 per cent next year. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has announced that this growth will be driven by new convention facilities, expanded airport capacity and targeted incentives for both business and leisure travel. The government’s investments are designed to position Kenya as a leading MICE destination in Africa and to unlock new opportunities for the wider tourism sector.

According to KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei, three major convention centres will be central to this strategy. The Bomas of Kenya facility in Nairobi will accommodate up to 10,000 delegates, while the Kisumu Convention Centre and the Temple International Convention Centre at the Kenyan Coast will host 5,000 and 6,000 delegates respectively. These venues are expected to attract large-scale international conferences, exhibitions and corporate events, boosting arrivals from both Africa and overseas markets.

In 2025, the conferencing segment accounted for 25 per cent of total arrivals, or 643,068 visitors, while the leisure segment made up 46 per cent with 1.2 million arrivals. The new facilities are expected to increase the share of MICE arrivals, with Chepkemei expressing confidence that the expanded capacity will significantly boost visitor numbers from next year. This growth is likely to benefit corporate groups, associations, event planners and incentive travel organisers across sub-Saharan Africa.

To support this expansion, the government is planning to increase Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s (JKIA) passenger-handling capacity from approximately 8 million to 20 million. This upgrade will enhance Kenya’s ability to attract international events, business travellers and tourism investors. Improved airport infrastructure is also expected to make it easier for delegates and exhibitors to access Nairobi and other key destinations, with implications for flight schedules, group bookings and ground handling for the trade.

Beyond MICE, Kenya is strengthening its tourism investment proposition through targeted incentives, strategic partnerships and the development of emerging wildlife destinations. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is offering discounts of up to 30 per cent to encourage international organisations, corporates and event planners to host meetings and conferences within national parks. Additional incentives are available for charter flights and cruise tourism, which may help agencies develop new products for group and incentive travel.

KWS is also promoting multi-park safari packages covering destinations such as Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, while encouraging investment in accommodation facilities, lodges, camps and visitor amenities in lesser-visited parks. These include Meru, Mount Longonot, Marsabit, Sibiloi, Aberdare, Mwea, Saiwa Swamp, Ruma, Ndere Island and Mount Elgon. The strategy aims to spread tourism beyond established destinations and create new investment opportunities for private-sector partners and local communities.

Through initiatives such as Safari Kenya Live, in collaboration with WildEarth, KWS is leveraging international digital platforms to showcase lesser-known destinations, including Ruma, Sibiloi and Marsabit. New experiences such as hiking, birdwatching, balloon safaris, cultural tourism and nature-based activities are expected to further diversify Kenya’s tourism offering. For the trade, this may mean new opportunities to package and promote unique experiences for both leisure and MICE clients.

In Northern Kenya, Samburu County is positioning itself as an emerging investment and tourism destination. The county is offering a 50 per cent waiver on park entry fees for targeted categories, including filmmakers, tour operators, travel agents and organised visitor groups. This is a significant reduction from the standard US\$88 entry fee and is designed to increase destination visibility and attract more visitors to Samburu National Reserve. Improved road and air infrastructure is also making the region more accessible to both visitors and investors.

The Great North Road, which links Kenya to Ethiopia, is a key development improving accessibility to tourism destinations across Northern Kenya. This infrastructure is expected to open up new opportunities for the region, making it easier for tour operators and group organisers to include northern circuits in their itineraries. However, practical questions remain about airline connectivity from major African hubs such as Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Kigali, as well as visa requirements and entry procedures for African travellers. Agencies should check with airlines and official sources for the latest information on routes, schedules and entry rules.

Kenya’s national and county-level initiatives reflect a broader ambition to position tourism as a driver of investment, employment creation and regional economic growth. By expanding MICE capacity, encouraging private-sector investment in wildlife destinations and improving connectivity to emerging tourism circuits, Kenya aims to attract new international markets, increase visitor arrivals and distribute the benefits of tourism more widely across the country. Open questions remain about the timeline for completion of new facilities, the final structure of incentives and the impact on commission structures for the trade. Agencies should monitor updates from KTB, KWS and county governments as more details become available. The outlook is for continued growth in both MICE and leisure tourism, with Kenya strengthening its position as a leading destination for African and international travellers.

Sources: Primary material supplied by editor, K November 2026.