MPs question Ksh.42B cost of constructing new Bomas complex amid delays

The ongoing construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) came under sharp focus on Thursday as members of the National Assembly's Tourism and Wildlife Committee questioned the high cost of the facility.

The legislators raised concerns with the cost of Ksh.42 billion being used to construct the facility, saying the figure was exorbitant and too high compared to other similar facilities in the region.

The total overhaul of the popular Bomas of Kenya and construction of a new international meetings, conferences and exhibitions centre, dubbed Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC), is touted as part of Kenya Kwanza government’s flagship projects.

However, the 11,00-seater facility, whose construction began in March last year, has raised eyebrows, as members of the National Assembly Tourism and Wildlife Committee poked holes into the cost of construction.

Fafi MP Yusuf Salah said: Kigali is much lower than this one. When we talk of a hype of this is a one of a kind, I want clarity as to the amount of money used…”

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru stated: “It won’t be good to do an empirical comparison because I am on record. In terms of actual comparisons about the figure I will have to check.”

The members also questioning why the pace of the construction of the building was still at 35%, with the deadline announced by President William Ruto fast approaching.

The facility had been scheduled to host the France-Africa Summit from 11th May this year.

MP Salah added: “A time of one month with 35% completion, the numbers are not adding up. Unless we are going to work in supernatural way.”

Committee Chairman MP Kareke Mbiuki chimed in: “With all due respect and humility, do you think the Africa Summit will be held in BICC? The President made clear instructions.”

PS Mariru responded: “We are working 24 hours, the President committed that the France-Africa Summit will happen in Nairobi, and not only in Nairobi, in BICC.”

This as it also emerged that the BICC will utilize parking spaces inside the Nairobi National Park, which will also see the animal orphanage moved closer to the parking designated for the facility at the park, raising concerns over the interference with the natural wildlife habitat.

Brigadier Titus Sokobe, Chief of Special Projects, KDF, said: “We need to move the Nairobi orphanage from where it is, we have been interacting with all stakeholders, including Karengata activists and NEMA. Of course, there are some individuals here and there who are not very happy.”