Kenya currently boasts only one purpose-built conference center, the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. Recognizing the potential of Mombasa as a hub for business and tourism, the need for a second purpose-built convention center has emerged. Mombasa, as Kenya’s primary coastal city and port, faces challenges such as declining tourist numbers and the impact of terrorism on the tourism industry. To counter these challenges, the Mombasa International Convention Centre (MICC) is proposed to attract conferences, revitalize the local economy, and position Mombasa as a year-round destination. Unlike beach tourism, conference tourism is less susceptible to negative travel advisories, offering a sustainable solution to boost economic growth and employment opportunities
Asset Description
The MICC project aims to address the declining tourism numbers in Mombasa, attributed to both the maturity of the beach tourism product and security concerns. Situated as the second-largest urban center in Kenya with available hotel capacity, Mombasa is well-suited for the development of a purpose-built convention center. By attracting conferences, the MICC not only leverages the existing infrastructure but also contributes to economic regeneration and growth. The project is strategically positioned to utilize spare bed capacity during off-peak seasons, ensuring a steady influx of visitors. Beyond its primary function as a convention center, MICC is poised to elevate Mombasa’s profile as a global destination, acting as a catalyst for the development of complementary projects, support facilities, and much-needed infrastructure. This flagship project is expected to create employment opportunities directly and throughout the supply chain, fostering a holistic transformation for Mombasa’s future prosperity.
