A major boost for Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, President  William Ruto on 15  December  2025 approved the operationalisation of the National Convention Bureau during a Cabinet meeting at State House – marking its re-establishment after being disbanded three years ago due to funding constraints

The decision signals renewed government commitment, positioning Kenya as an emerging regional hub for business tourism. Currently ranked fourth in Africa, behind Rwanda, South Africa and Morocco, Kenya’s MICE sector looks set for revival, though details of the Bureau’s funding model and structure remain to be clarified. The renewed focus presents an opportunity to implement the KNCB National MICE Strategy  (2030), developed by The Business Tourism Company and adopted by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon.  Najib  Balala, in  2021.

The Cabinet approved the rollout of the Kenya National Convention Bureau as part of preparations for the 2026  Tripartite  Summit. The Bureau will coordinate the planning, marketing and development of Kenya’s international conventions and events sector to maximise economic and diplomatic gains.

According to a Cabinet statement, the initiative aligns with national priorities to attract investment, enhance Kenya’s international profile, and generate employment through the MICE sector. “Cabinet was briefed on Kenya’s hosting of the  4th  COMESA–EAC–SADC  Tripartite  Summit  in mid‑2026 and approved the rollout of the Kenya National Convention Bureau to position the country as a leading global destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to regional integration, economic cooperation and high‑value tourism,” the communiqué noted.

The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) – uniting COMESA, EAC and SADC regional blocs – represents one of Africa’s most ambitious integration efforts, covering 29 countries with a collective population exceeding 700 million and a combined GDP of over €1.19 trillion.

Preparations for the summit are under way. On 5 November, the National Organising Committee (NOC) was inaugurated in Naivasha by Senior Deputy Secretary M’mbetsa Omar Beja, on behalf of Principal Secretary Regina Ombam. The multi-agency team will provide strategic, technical and logistical coordination in the lead‑up to next year’s event.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano commented on X: