(Busia) – Busia County has entered into a partnership with the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to develop conference facilities aimed at boosting local tourism and business opportunities. This collaboration is expected to create a platform for economic growth and attract international conferences to the county.
Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing that the development of conference facilities would provide valuable investment opportunities for local residents. He pointed out that conference tourism is a rapidly growing sector and that Busia’s strategic location at the border with Uganda and Congo makes it an ideal venue for such events. The influx of people from East and Central Africa, as well as neighboring countries, will offer them their first experience of Kenya’s hospitality, said Dr. Otuoma.
The governor believes that the partnership will benefit both Busia County and Kenya as a whole. By expanding conference tourism, the county will not only attract more visitors but also open up economic opportunities for its residents.
KICC CEO James Mwaura spoke about the broader impact of the agreement, noting that the growth of conference tourism across the world has made it essential for all regions, not just cities, to participate in the sector. He emphasized that Busia is now considered a city and, as such, must be equipped with the capacity to handle events of national and international significance.
Mwaura stressed that KICC’s role extends beyond Nairobi and that the organization is committed to helping all counties grow their conference infrastructure. “It is no longer just a business of cities,” he stated, highlighting that integrating devolved functions and promoting local businesses through events is key to regional development.
As part of the partnership, KICC will provide expert support to ensure that Busia can compete with other regions, both nationally and globally, in hosting conventions and conferences. Mwaura also noted that the conference sector is the fastest-growing part of Kenya’s economy, and it is crucial that every county is given the opportunity to benefit from this growth.
While Busia may not yet have a large convention center, Mwaura assured the public that the county will start with a technologically advanced tent, which will serve as a temporary conference space. Over time, the goal is to build more permanent and advanced conference facilities. This phased development will ensure that Busia has the infrastructure needed to support large-scale conferences and conventions in the future.
In the short term, Busia is preparing to host the Lake Region Economic Bloc Summit from November 27 to 29, 2024. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants and will serve as a test run for the county’s newly established conference capabilities.