NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has issued an update on the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex, saying the project is progressing as planned and will be completed by April 2026, even as the government firmly dismissed claims that the iconic cultural site has been sold to private interests.
In a statement released on Monday, December 22, President Ruto said construction at the Bomas site is ongoing round the clock, with up to 3,000 workers deployed daily to ensure the ambitious timelines are met.
He noted that the facility is being developed to meet modern international conference standards and position Kenya as a premier meetings and events destination in Africa.
“Construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex is progressing well. The project is being delivered around the clock, employing up to 3,000 workers daily, to ensure it is completed by April 2026,” Ruto said. “It is designed to meet modern global conference standards and positions Kenya as Africa’s leading conference destination.”
The President revealed that the complex has already attracted global attention, with a major international event booked even before completion. According to Ruto, the Bomas complex will host the France–Africa Summit on May 12, 2026.
“The facility has already been booked to host the France Africa Summit on 12 May 2026, even before completion. This demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that propels Kenya towards first-world status,” he added.
The update comes amid renewed political debate over the future and ownership of Bomas of Kenya, following claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the cultural landmark had been sold to a Turkish national. Gachagua made the allegations earlier this year, saying he opposed the alleged sale during Cabinet discussions.
“I was the only one who stood up and said that Bomas of Kenya is a national heritage and we cannot sell it,” Gachagua said on March 9 while speaking in Kajiado County. “That Bomas is gone.”
However, the government has consistently denied the claims. In March, Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir categorically rejected the allegations, stating that Bomas of Kenya remains fully owned by the government.
“I am therefore shocked by the allegations made by the former Deputy President with regard to the sale of Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish national,” Bashir said in a statement dated March 10. “Bomas of Kenya has not been sold to anyone.”
Bashir explained that the redevelopment of the site was approved by Cabinet on August 8, 2023, following a memorandum presented by then Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza.
She noted that plans to refurbish and upgrade Bomas had been under consideration for over a decade but gained momentum under the current administration.
She further clarified that Bomas holds a valid government title issued in 1971 and that its ownership remains unchanged.
“The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage assures the public that Bomas of Kenya will remain a Government facility. Its ownership shall not change, as it is held in trust on behalf of the people of the Republic of Kenya, for posterity,” Bashir said.
The Bomas International Convention Complex is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s conference tourism strategy, complementing Nairobi’s status as a regional diplomatic and business hub once completed.
