The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and Kenya Airways (KQ) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Kenya’s status as a premier global destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
This collaboration is designed to boost the country’s tourism industry by promoting business events and strengthening its presence in the competitive MICE sector across Africa.
Enhancing Kenya’s Global MICE Competitiveness
At the partnership launch, CPA James Mwaura, CEO of KICC, emphasized its importance for the future of Kenya’s MICE tourism. “This partnership marks a crucial step in elevating Kenya’s visibility and competitiveness as a global MICE destination,” Mwaura stated.
He noted that this collaboration will not only showcase Kenya’s capacity to host world-class events but will also stimulate economic growth by attracting international conferences. Mwaura acknowledged the vital role national airlines play in the success of leading MICE destinations worldwide. “Top MICE destinations thrive on strong partnerships with their national airlines and other stakeholders,” he added.
Targeting Key International MICE Markets
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership will involve KICC and Kenya Airways working together to target key international and regional MICE markets. Their joint efforts will also focus on bidding for prestigious conferences and providing attractive delegate packages, including incentive travel and holiday offers.
As part of this initiative, Kenya Airways will open a dedicated ticketing office at KICC, called the Asante Executive Hub, offering convenient travel solutions for conference delegates and event organizers. Kenya Airways Group MD and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its alignment with the airline’s mission to enhance connectivity and support Africa’s prosperity.
“Our collaboration with KICC reinforces Kenya Airways’ commitment to bolstering Kenya’s position as a leading MICE destination,” Kilavuka said.
This partnership comes as Kenya makes significant strides in the global MICE landscape, recently securing the chairmanship of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa Chapter, which positions it to influence MICE strategies across the continent.
Mwaura stressed the economic benefits of attracting major international conferences, stating, “Hosting 50 significant international events, like the 2024 AFDB Summit or the World Bank Conferences, will not only generate substantial revenue but also elevate Kenya’s global profile.”
