November 10, (THEWILL) – The Kenyatta International Convention Centre, a state corporation under Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, showcased its offerings at the 20th edition of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
Sophie Makelo, KICC Key Accounts Manager, pointed out the center’s pivotal role in promoting Kenya as a prime business destination while also marketing the venue to a global audience.
Founded over four decades ago, KICC stands as a National Monument with a rich history.
Makelo stressed the venue’s impressive capacity, with its largest indoor room hosting up to 3,500 delegates.
For events with high-profile attendees, such as heads of state, the venue adjusts capacity to between 2,000 and 2,500.
The centre also offers a variety of rooms, ranging from small spaces accommodating 100 people to the main ballroom capable of hosting up to 10,000.
This marks the first time KICC is exhibiting under the “Magical Kenya” brand at Akwaaba.
Makelo described the experience as eye-opening and valuable, noting that the centre managed to generate five leads during the event.
As a convention and exhibition centre, KICC does not provide hotel accommodations on-site but partners with surrounding hotels to offer clients comprehensive solutions for conferencing and events.
The centre works closely with pre-qualified hotels and catering services to meet the diverse needs of clients. Makelo identified the importance of collaboration with the private sector, stating that KICC, while government-led, relies on private-sector partnerships to ensure the success of its operations and revenue generation.
“KICC is not a charity organisation; we are a business.
“While we are fully government-owned, we are committed to generating revenue to sustain our operations and continue providing world-class services,” Makelo said.
KICC operates under Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, alongside sister agencies such as the Kenya Tourism Board. The centre’s strategic alignment with the Ministry underscores its mission to bolster Kenya’s position as a leading business and tourism destination globally.
Makelo expressed confidence that participation in Akwaaba has opened up new opportunities for KICC, further solidifying its reputation in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
