Event planners dream big with national convention bureau implementation plan

Regional event investors are banking on the planned Kenya’s national convention bureau that they say will accelerate strong industry collaboration while creating a single platform aimed at coordinating the planning, marketing, and delivery of international conventions.

For too long capitalizing on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector’s potential has been quite a challenge to investors. But the national bureau’s Cabinet approval led by Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano, the government has offered investors renewed hope.

“The bureau will act as the central driver of Kenya’s business events strategy, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and attracting international business events and association congresses that will advance Kenya’s MICE agenda as a key driver of tourism and overall economic growth,” CS Miano said during the bureau’s formal launch in January 2026.

Speaking when he confirmed that the first Africa Events Summit (AES) will be held at Argyle Hotel in Nairobi from 10th and 11th September 2026, Ian Migwi AES Convener and CEO Billion Events said the private sector initiative will be seeking to build up on existing industry conversations like the Africa MICE Summit and Expo.

“The summit is supposed to be a catalyst for strong industry collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange. We’ve had a problem of people working in silos. Now we want to bring people together. But beyond that raise standards and professionalism that alone is going to grow the industry,” said Ian Migwi AES Convener and CEO Billion Events.

He added that less trust has also been hindering strategic collaborations and development agenda of events business.

Recommendations from the summit will be submitted to the Principal Secretary of Tourism to inform policy decision-making.

“Less we forget, the convention bureau is still yet to take off due to budgetary constraints competing with education and healthcare budgets in parliament,” Simon Peter, MICE Analyst, says.

He also acknowledged the current positive developments from the public sector, from waiving visas to 52 African countries, the expansion of JKIA and the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex.

So, what is driving events conversation at this time, and how will next week’s summit shape how investors view the events industry?

Litali Kingsley, CEO of Crimeshield Security Limited, emphasises that the security and safety of attendees is paramount for the overall event experience, calling for event owners to invest in event security and not to consider it as an afterthought.

“During the summit we shall be hosting a masterclass for event security; with real case studies, we welcome you all for the
Africa Events Summit,” said Kingsley.

He also noted the rising insecurities in some of the common event venues, thus needing to tighten the gaps to attract more events.

“We believe that no one should lose their personal belongings in pursuit of great experiences,” Kingsley says.

Benjamim Otwal, Alikiba’s Talent Manager, will also be hosting a masterclass at the summit focusing on experience and creative alignment.

Mr. Otwal called for increased investment among the corporates working with local artists for their campaigns and events in efforts to promote the creative industry.

June Chepkemei, Kenya Tourism Board CEO, is expected to headline the summit with key opening remarks alongside notable speakers.

The Summit’s opening panel, “Building Africa’s Event Economy: Current State, Opportunities & Gaps”, runs Day 1 from 11:30am to 1:30pm and will be moderated by MC Ian Muiruri. Panellists will include Zaheeda Suleman (CEO, The Be Experience Company), Harold Mnkheni (MD, Haddypro Co. Ltd, Tanzania), Eric Mwanzia (MD, The Arts Group Ltd and Chairman, EMAK), Grace Ndiege (Influence)