Kisumu is expected to be the next attraction for conference tourism in the country after Kenyatta International Convention Centre ( KICC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the county government to construct a multi-billion modern convention centre similar to KICC in the lake-side city.
The MoU signed between the County Executive Member for Tourism Dr Rose Kisa and KICC Managing Director Fred Simiyu will also see KICC market tourism and investment potential in the county, training Kisumu staffs on conference tourism and funding of high level events in the area.
According to Mr Simiyu, the county’s Tourism department has been tasked with mapping out the area and documenting Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions ( Mice) tourism potential within the next six months so as to give the green light for the financial investment required for the projects.
READ ALSO: 22 BANKS FACE CLOSURE OVER HIGH CAPITAL RULE
Mr Simiyu said the marketing beat is however expected to start immediately, with KICC expected to fund temporary conference infrastructure in the short term before the commencement of the massive infrastructure.
“The position of Kisumu at the heart of East African Community member states and the presence of natural resources such as Lake Victoria puts the city at an advantageous area for Mice tourism which has become the biggest tourism investment. And our work as KICC is to expose the area to the international community,” said Mr Simiyu.
The city is also expected to host this year’s National Music Festivals in August which is expected to bring over 10, 000 participants to the city. Kisia said opening up the city through investment in conference infrastructure will bring more people, and the human traffic is likely to open up economic opportunities in the area.
According to Kisia, the histories surrounding Kisumu makes it a place of choice for most of the international conferences which requires relevant environment for difference Mice events.
NEXT READ: JKUAT LAUNCHES FIRST KENYAN LAPTOP
Leave a comment