Ruto Unveils Major Bomas Construction Plans Amid Controversy
Ruto has announced that construction work at Bomas will commence in two weeks, aiming to transform the venue into a world-class facility. The project comes just days after allegations surfaced regarding the sale of the iconic site.
President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious plan to revamp the historic Bomas of Kenya into a modern international convention center. The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at State House Nairobi, confirmed that construction would begin in two weeks.
According to the President, the renovation aims to position Bomas as a leading venue for global events, rivaling other top conferencing centers in Kenya, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The transformation of Bomas is expected to boost the country’s reputation as a premier destination for international summits, cultural events, and business forums.
The project has, however, attracted controversy after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently claimed that the facility had been sold to a foreign investor. The government has strongly denied these allegations, stating that Bomas is only undergoing renovation to meet modern standards.
Ruto’s Vision for Bomas
Ruto emphasized that the project is part of his administration’s broader plan to modernize Kenya’s key infrastructure. The upgrade will include state-of-the-art conference halls, improved hospitality facilities, and enhanced accessibility features.
“This marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to making Bomas a world-class facility,” read a statement from the Cabinet briefing. “The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, turning it into a premier destination for global events.”
The facility has long been a cultural landmark in Kenya, hosting national events, political gatherings, and international conferences. The modernization plan seeks to maintain its heritage while improving its capacity to host high-profile meetings.
Officials indicate that the upgraded complex will have cutting-edge technology, improved security systems, and environmentally friendly designs. These enhancements align with Kenya’s goal of attracting more international delegations and investment.
Gachagua’s Claims on Bomas Sale
The timing of Ruto’s announcement comes just days after Gachagua made explosive claims that Bomas had been sold to a Turkish investor. Speaking at a church service in Kitengela, Kajiado County, the former Deputy President alleged that the Cabinet had approved the sale despite opposition from some quarters.
“As we speak, Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national,” Gachagua declared. “The Cabinet was informed about it, and I was the only one who opposed the decision. This is a national heritage, and we cannot sell it.”
His remarks sparked a wave of public concern, with many questioning the government’s transparency regarding the management of national assets. Some political figures and civil society organizations called for an official clarification on the matter.
Gachagua further claimed that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had raised concerns about the deal, but their objections were ignored. He warned that selling such a historic venue could set a dangerous precedent for other government properties.
Government Denies Bomas Sale Allegations
In response to Gachagua’s allegations, the government has strongly refuted any claims that Bomas has been sold. Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Ummi Mohammed Bashir, dismissed the assertions, clarifying that the facility is undergoing a major upgrade, not a sale.
She revealed that the Cabinet had, in fact, approved the development of Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) on August 8, 2023. This decision was made after a proposal was presented by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Peninah Malonza.
“The development of Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) was approved by Cabinet to elevate the facility to international standards,” Bashir stated. “These claims of a sale are baseless and misleading.”
According to government officials, the planned renovation is a long-term investment aimed at increasing the facility’s revenue potential while preserving its cultural significance. They reassured the public that Bomas would remain a national asset under government ownership.
Bomas’ Role in Kenya’s History
Bomas of Kenya has played a crucial role in the country’s history. Established in 1971, it was originally designed to showcase Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and art. Over the years, it has evolved into a key venue for national discussions and electoral processes.
The site gained significant attention during Kenya’s general elections, where it served as the official tallying center for presidential votes. It has hosted critical political meetings, making it a landmark in the country’s democratic processes.
As Kenya moves to modernize its infrastructure, preserving historical sites like Bomas while upgrading their functionality is seen as a strategic move to balance heritage with progress.
Economic and Tourism Benefits of the Project
The planned transformation of Bomas is expected to bring significant economic benefits. By turning it into a world-class conferencing facility, Kenya aims to attract international events, boosting the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Industry experts argue that the enhanced venue will position Nairobi as a leading hub for global business forums, high-level government summits, and cultural exhibitions.
“Kenya has a strong reputation as a conferencing destination,” said a tourism industry analyst. “With the modernization of Bomas, we expect increased foreign investment and a rise in business tourism.”
The upgrade also aligns with Ruto’s vision of strengthening Kenya’s economic position by improving infrastructure that supports investment and job creation. It is anticipated that the project will generate employment opportunities for contractors, engineers, and service providers involved in the construction and operation of the facility.
Political Implications of the Bomas Project
The controversy surrounding Bomas has also revealed underlying political tensions. Gachagua’s public criticism of the government’s handling of the facility highlights the ongoing political divide within Ruto’s administration.
Observers note that the former Deputy President’s claims may be part of a larger strategy to challenge Ruto’s leadership and position himself as a voice of accountability. His remarks have reignited debates about government transparency in handling public assets.
However, government officials have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, arguing that the Bomas project is a legitimate development initiative aimed at national growth.
Public Reactions and Future Outlook
Public reactions to the Bomas transformation have been mixed. While many Kenyans support the idea of modernizing the facility, others remain skeptical about the government’s transparency. Some citizens have called for independent audits to ensure that public funds are used appropriately.
As the project moves forward, its success will likely be judged by its ability to maintain the cultural significance of Bomas while delivering a world-class facility that meets global standards.
With construction set to begin in two weeks, Kenyans will be closely watching to see whether the government delivers on its promise of a modernized, internationally recognized Bomas of Kenya.
