Our Humble Beginnings
The Kenyatta International Conference Centre is a 28 storey building fondly referred to as the” KICC” was constructed in the late 1960s and opened its door to the most prestigious global conference of the time to ever come to the African soil, the IMF/World bank conference in September 1973.
Designed by the Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik and our own David Mutiso the construction was done in three phases. Phase I was the construction of the podium, Phase II consisted of the main tower and Phase III involved the Plenary. Construction was completed in 1973; with the opening ceremony occurring in September 1973 presided over by Kenya’s founding father President Kenyatta. This is the only building that says you know Kenya. It is the Iconic symbol of Kenya. No picture says “this is Kenya” if it does not have KICC in the background. It is the only building within the city with a helipad that is open to public. Any visitor to the City of Nairobi should set their bearings from here since it’s also located in the central business district of Nairobi. Of the buildings built that time, the KICC is the most eco-friendly and most environment conscious structure; its main frame is constructed with locally available materials Gravel, sand, cement and wood, it has wide open spaces which allows for natural aeration and natural lighting. Cuboids make up the plenary hall, the tower consists of a cylinder composed of several cuboids and the amphitheatre and helipad both resemble cones. The tower is built around a concrete core and it has no walls but glass windows which allow for maximum natural lighting. It has the largest halls in eastern and central Africa. Throughout its 39 year history KICC is the most sentimental building to all Kenyans, most of whose interaction with the city started with this building at their young age. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is a State Corporation established under the Tourism Act. 2011 that came into operation on 1st September 2012. Whereas KICC is much known as a meeting venue in Nairobi, its mandate is national in nature, to promote the country as a destination most preferred for business travel and MICE tourism. M.I.C.E has been recognized as one of the four key products to be developed under the Kenya Vision 2030; under the economic pillar. Kenya is Africa's second best international MICE destination, its Won consecutively in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) 2012, 2013 country and city rankings. The Kenyatta International Convention Center – KICC has been and still is an icon and landmark for Kenya since completion. This has distinguished it as a premiere meeting venue throughout the region. With its Strategic location at the heart of the central business district of Kenya’s Capital, KICC boasts of its proximity and easy accessibility to and from all major five-star hotels, most of which are ten minutes walk away and five minutes away by car. KICC has the capacity to hold both large and small events, both indoors and outdoors. The facility has excellent rooms, with good ambiance, clean and air conditioned.
Our History | KICC