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Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is a prominent landmark and an important hub for business and tourism in Nairobi, Kenya. Completed in 1973, the iconic building stands tall at 28 floors and offers breathtaking city views.
The convention center boasts state-of-the-art facilities catering to various events, from international conferences to local exhibitions and trade shows.
With a capacity of up to 4,000 people, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre is the largest conference facility in East Africa.
Its central location in the heart of Nairobi makes it easily accessible to visitors and locals. The convention center is surrounded by several hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is an icon and landmark for Kenya. KICC boasts of being the leading facility in the meetings industry in East Africa and has held several regional and international conferences like the World Bank Conference in 1973, the Inter-parliamentary Union summit in 2008, other UN-based meetings, the 8th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to name a few.
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ABOUT THE KICC NAIROBI CONFERENCE CENTRE.
The center was commissioned in 1967 and completed in 1974. At 32 stories and 345 feet (105 m) high, the Kenyatta International Conference Centre was the tallest building in Kenya when it was built.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre is ranked as one of the top places to hold conferences on the continent; after completion, the building was the tallest in Nairobi until the construction of the Teleposta Towers.
Since then, the building has ceded its position as the tallest tower to many other newer projects, including the UAP Old Mutual Tower, Times Tower, and the Britam Tower, the tallest building in Nairobi as of 2020.
This is a state corporation established under the Tourism Act 2011 whose objectives and purpose are to promote the business of meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions, also known as the MICE.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre is located at the heart of the central business district of the capital city, Nairobi; Kenyatta International Convention Centre boasts of its proximity and easy accessibility to and from all significant five-star hotels, most of which is a minute’s walk and five minutes away by car.
The tall, cylindrical building still ranks among one of the top conference centers in Africa. Its largest ballroom can hold more than 4000 people.
Besides viewing safaris, the Centre has become a haven for journalists, artists, and performers who delight in the perfect photography and video angles it presents at sunrise and sunset. Occasionally, the deck is rented out for small special functions, including cocktails, dinners, and launches.
VISITING THE KICC ROOFTOP: REQUIREMENTS, FEES.
It is a bit of an adventure to get to the KICC rooftop. When you reach the building, you will eventually have someone at the desk who will direct you to the spot to check in. Everyone here speaks English, so there is no language barrier.
Security is tight. You must present your passport and explain where and why you want to enter the building. (Outrightly say that you’re a tourist and want to see the view from the roof.)
Visiting hours are 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm on weekends and holidays.
Once you pay, you’re given a receipt/ticket and directed to an elevator. There, another worker accompanies you to the roof, where another worker rechecks your ticket and ID. Finally, you are allowed to walk outside. First, you’ll encounter a semi-enclosed area with bars blocking the view.
Once at the top, the immediate view is incredible!
CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre develops and implements the national meetings, incentives for conventions, and exhibition strategy.
Performs any ancillary functions to the objective and purpose for which the convention center is established.
Kenyatta International Convention Centre organizes and hosts meetings and provides incentives for the conventions and exhibitions at the Convention Centre.
PAYMENT:
The fees to go up to the roof are 500 Kenyan shillings ($5 US) for adults and 200 ($2 US) for kids. These are the fees for foreigners – locals and international students pay less. Both Mpesa and credit cards or foreign currency are accepted.
THE VIEWS FROM THE KICC NAIROBI HELIPAD.
On the roof, you’ll have 360 degrees of Nairobi, stretching across the city, all the way to Nairobi National Park and some surrounding green areas.
These include Uhuru Park, the Parliament Building, and the Kenya Railways Golf Course.
Only a handful of other folks were up there when I was on the roof, so it was mostly quiet. I had plenty of time to zoom in to get close-up views of nearby parks.
The KICC Nairobi rooftop is an excellent way to spend 30 minutes, and you’ll get some fantastic pictures out of it.
WHERE TO STAY.
When planning a visit to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, it's essential to know the types of accommodation facilities available. This way, you can choose the best suits your needs and budget.
Several accommodation options are near or within the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. If you're traveling on a tight budget, you can opt for budget accommodations that provide basic amenities and services at a low cost.
These facilities are ideal for travelers looking to save money and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Mid-range accommodations are perfect if you're looking for something more upscale but don't want to break the bank. These facilities offer more amenities and services than budget options, such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, room service, and more. You'll get more value for your money without spending too much.
For those looking for a luxurious experience during their stay, plenty of high-end accommodations are available near the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. These facilities offer the highest level of comfort and luxury, with amenities such as spas, fitness centers, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants. Some popular options include the Trademark Hotel, Tribe Hotel, The Boma Hotel, Sarova Panafric, Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi, City Lodge Hotel, and many others.
No matter what type of accommodation you choose, you'll find plenty of options near the Kenyatta International Convention Centre that will cater to your needs.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a culture lover, or a shopping buff, the area around the Kenyatta International Convention Centre has something for everyone. One of the most exciting activities to enjoy during your stay is a visit to the nearby Nairobi National Park. This park offers a unique opportunity to witness wild animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and many more, in their natural habitat. You can take a guided tour or explore the park on your own, either by foot or vehicle.
Besides the Nairobi National Park, Nairobi has a vibrant culture you can experience by visiting museums, galleries, and local markets. You can learn about the rich history and heritage of the city by visiting the Nairobi National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, or the Railway Museum.
You can also explore the local art scene by visiting the Banana Hill Art Gallery or the GoDown Arts Centre. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Maasai Market, which offers a wide range of handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
If you're a shopping enthusiast, you'll find plenty of options near the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The nearby malls and shopping centers offer various products, from local handicrafts to high-end fashion and electronics. You can visit the Sarit Centre, the Westgate Mall, or the Two Rivers Mall, all offering a unique shopping experience.
Regarding food, the area around the Kenyatta International Convention Centre has plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. You can try the delicious Kenyan dishes at the many restaurants and cafes in the area, such as the Carnivore Restaurant, the Talisman, or the Java House.
Overall, a visit to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre is a perfect opportunity to experience the best Nairobi offers. With numerous accommodation options, exciting activities, and fascinating attractions, you will have an unforgettable trip filled with adventure and new experiences.