This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
Published on July 6, 2021, the construction of a Sh1.4 billion Convention Center in Kisumu has officially kicked off, aiming to host over 5,000 delegates during the Afri-Cities conference in April 2022.
The facility, which will feature a main auditorium, 15 breakaway rooms, 60 exhibition spaces, and other amenities, is expected to be completed in eight months.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa stated that the facility will revolutionize conference tourism in the lake region and serve as a hub for business travelers and meetings.
Wamalwa emphasized that the government is committed to making the Afri-Cities conference a success, with various projects underway to ensure smooth operations, including the upgrading of Kisumu International Airport and a road linking the airport to the Convention Center.
The Ministry of Tourism has mapped out hotels and accommodation facilities within Kisumu and neighboring counties, securing 8,000 beds for the event.
Devolution Principal Secretary Julius Korir revealed that Kenya has already paid 2.5 million Euros to United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) for the event, with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols in place.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong'o lauded the national government for investing in the conference facility, which is expected to attract business travelers and meetings from far and wide.
