The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, is keen to grow its business beyond the dominant local and European markets, and is looking to Asia-Pacific to make this happen.
“Exhibitions make up about 60 per cent of our business. We recently held the 8th China Africa Agric Expo and China Trade Week Expo. We also have exhibitions from India, mainly in the agricultural, dairy, machinery, and printing and packaging sectors,” Wilfred Njau, KICC’s customer care assistant, shared with TTGmice.
International meetings take place at KICC as well, with most coming from the Commonwealth countries and global organisations such World Trade Organisation and ICCA, he added.
Njau shared: “Right now, we’re working on attracting meetings and events from Singapore as well as Malaysia- and Thailand-based companies. Many East African students head to these countries for education, and I’m thinking of ways to tap on that (for potential conferences).”
He added that KICC has yet to welcome any business events from Singapore.
KICC is able to offer memorable event ideas. With it being housed within a 30-storey building, event attendees can enjoy panoramic views of the city from an observation deck on the top floor.
KICC is also able to work with planners to build a safari tour of Nairobi National Park – a 10-minute drive away from the venue – for overseas event attendees. The wildlife activity is ideal as a treat to mark the end of the business event.
While KICC is keen to grow its Asian business, Njau acknowledged that the lack of direct flights from business hub Singapore is a challenge. The venue is working to tackle this issue through “regular dialogues” with Kenya Airways, the national carrier.
KICC also works closely with the Kenya Tourism Board on potential event bids.
“I want more awareness in this region that Kenya is ready for meetings,” he concluded.
