Mikutano - Issue 19, July-December 2011

ISSUE 19 JULY - DECEMBER 2011

NEWS

Revolving restaurant makes a comeback Kenya moves up league table for conference tourism KICC plants trees in honour of ‘green icon’

PLUS

Invest & Expand Kenya looks to expand MICE sector by investing in new larger conference venues

INSIDE

Nairobi: a hub

for international business

CONTENTS

Contents 6

37

3

Karibu

Welcome to first biannual issue of Mikutano

5 6 9

Issue editor KICC news Conference growth

Kenya moves up league table for conference tourism

10 14

Pictorial Security

Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd

Security tops the agenda at KICC

Suite A5, 1st Floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com

16 20

Events calendar Q&A

Conference tourism buoyed by new MICE strategy

24

Nairobi

A hub for international business

26

Expansion of MICE

Kenya looks to expand MICE sector

30

Strategy

National MICE strategy seen as vital for future of tourism

34

Go green

Green is the new black in the global meetings industry

36 37

Preventing HIV & AIDS Revolving restaurant

Revolving restaurant makes a comeback

38 40

Previous events Major past and upcoming events and conferences

42

Useful information

24

is published by

Editor: Denis Gathanju Sales Manager: Daisy Kiseu on behalf of

The Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) Harambee Avenue, PO Box 30746-00100, Nairobi Marketing:+254 20 326 1133/117 Front Office:+254 20 326 000 Public Relations:+254 20 3261151 Fax:+254 20 310 223 Email: info@kicc.co.ke www.kicc.co.ke Photo credit: Michael Spencer The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication.

No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

42 Ancillary services and facilities at KICC

44 Professional associations in Kenya

Š2011 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd

46 KICC facilities

mikutano 1

FOREWORD

Karibu Welcome to first biannual issue of Mikutano

I

t is yet again that time of the year when we are preparing to unwind and soak up the ambience of the city while enjoying the last party of the year in a spectacular and inclusive way.

Located within walking distance of Nairobi’s central business district, the KICC offers other spectacular corporate party packages that everyone will enjoy and remember.

At Kenyatta International Conference (KICC) we have a very ambitious and perfect plan for you.

It can host a banquet for up to 6,000 people in its vast rooms and expansive grounds, while offering tailor-made Christmas and end-of-the-year party packages to meet the diverse needs of clients.

It is remembered with nostalgia how the Revolving Restaurant on the 28th floor of Kenya’s most iconic building used to be a romantic getaway in this region of Africa.

Perfect From the viewing tower helipad to fine dining in the restaurant, it was a perfect place for engagement dinners.

Event organisers, corporates and companies should be all smiles now, because the restaurant is back in operation. This is the perfect place to hold your end-of-the-year party and will guarantee an unforgettable and ultimate party experience for you and your guests.

Guests can experience a 360-degree view of the city, bringing out the Nairobi skyline in spectacular fashion KICC also provides ample and secure parking, round the clock, and offers in-house security services.

This year, get your bragging rights by hosting your end-of-year party at the KICC. We wish you a happy festive season and prosperous 2012.

Bon appètit and enjoy your reading.

The party begins at the viewing tower helipad, where guests have a unique opportunity to experience a panoramic 360-degree view of the city, bringing out the Nairobi skyline in spectacular fashion.

Guests can then enjoy the rest of the party in style at the revolving restaurant.

Beatrice Makawiti Managing Director

mikutano 3

WElCOME

editor Issue

Dear Mikutano family...

‘To be a great leader, you must first be a great person.’ These are the words of Robin Sharma, an all-time inspirational author of the 21st century.

In Mikutano this month, we celebrate the new look and feel of this informative publication, incorporating a great identity and representing a market leader in the meetings industry.

After reviewing our previous strategy for Mikutano over the years, the entire editorial team and KICC management agreed that it was paramount to have a content-rich, timeless and substantial publication that would forever remain relevant to our readers.

I am glad to inform our readers that this is the first biannual issue of Mikutano, highlighting an array of happenings in the industry and more especially recent developments at the KICC. It is my pleasure to mention that some key achievements have been made by the KICC’s managing director, Mrs Betty Makawiti, who was presented with the Human Warrior Award by the Marketing Society of Kenya. This was as a result of promoting and marketing efforts that

have foreseen various steps in enhancing the KICC as a preferred meeting venue, both locally and internationally.

In this issue we focus on environmental sustainability and some of the sensitive areas that KICC has outlined in its recently launched environmental policy.

Green meetings are the new market that

Green meetings are the new market that industry players are prioritising industry players and stakeholders are aggressively prioritising when it comes to meeting venues, merchandise and other collateral.

Without further ado, I would like to welcome our readers to this issue of Mikutano, offering a wealth of information about the meetings industry.

Enjoy your read!

Silvia Mochorwa Public Relations The Kenyatta International Conference Centre

mikutano 5

news KICC

KICC plants trees in honour of ‘green icon’ F

ollowing the demise of ‘green icon’ Prof Wangari Maathai, the Kenyatta International Conference Centre has set aside a Green Corner in her memory.

The KICC, which encourages ‘green conferencing, planted 71 trees at the Wangari Maathai Green Corner on Friday, 14 October 2011, coinciding with a memorial mass for Prof Maathai at Holy Family Church and a concert at the KICC. This initiative was in partnership with the Green Africa Foundation, which helped provide the 71 seedlings and offered practical advice.

The tree planting ceremony was headed by the managing director of the KICC, Beatrice Makawiti, who planted the first tree.

Beatrice Makawiti, managing director of the KICC, plants a tree at the Wangari Maathai Green Corner, assisted by Isaac Kalua, of the Green Africa Foundation.

6 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

Tenants and staff of the KICC were invited to attend and participate in the tree planting ceremony.

KICC NEWS

Ogilvy Kenya to run KICC’s brand communication campaign T

he Kenyatta International Conference Centre has asked the public relations agency Ogilvy Kenya to run its brand communication campaign.

Ogilvy Kenya won the contract following a competitive process of expression of interest.

KICC is widely recognised as the largest conference and exhibition facility in Sub-Saharan Africa. In its

brand communication campaign, the agency will aim to position KICC as Africa’s premier convention centre.

Using its wide experience in this field, Ogilvy will run an integrated brand communication campaign in line with the mission, vision and tagline.

A key ingredient will be Kenya’s attractiveness as an exotic location and its ability to tap the potential of conference tourism.

KICC employees celebrate victories at gala dinner The Kenyatta International Conference Centre was one of the organisations feted at the prestigious Marketing Society of Kenya 2011 gala dinner.

The KICC scooped two awards at the event, with the managing director, Beatrice Makawiti, and the general manager marketing and sales, Fred Simiyu, being voted MSK Human Warriors.

KICC NEws

Welcoming new KICC gets new board of directors publishers T for Mikutano

K

ICC is pleased to introduce Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) as the newly appointed publisher of our in-house magazine, Mikutano.

We are confident that this collaboration will successfully establish the magazine as a mouthpiece, allowing us to communicate internal and external news, inform readers about upcoming events and keep clients up to date with future developments.

Land & Marine Publications is already well established in Kenya, with offices in Parklands, Nairobi. We hope its wealth of creative and journalistic experience will help develop Mikutano into a magazine that is eagerly anticipated by both delegates and hosts.

This issue of Mikutano (No 19) is the first to be published by Land & Marine Publications.

he Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Najib Balala, recently appointed a new board of directors to provide strategic direction and place KICC as Africa’s premier meeting venue.

The board, chaired by Ibrahim Mutwafy, took office in July 2011 and will run for the next three years. It will embark on resource mobilisation to continue with the refurbishment of facilities and other projects as per the KICC strategic plan.

The 10-member board will develop a comprehensive master plan to refurbish the facilities of KICC in order to make it a world-class venue, able to compete with other leading convention centres in Africa.

The previous board and management team put a great deal of effort into improving the centre’s facilities. The new board will continue to implement the previous projects and devise new ones that will take the centre to another level.

Mr Mutwafy’s team will be working with the MICE Committee & Secretariat and Kenya Tourist Board to implement the National MICE Strategy, which aims to place Kenya as a MICE destination of choice.

The KICC management and staff applauded the appointments and will continue to give their full support in order to ensure the KICC mandate is realised.

The board of directors comprises: Ibrahim K.A. Mutwafy (chairman), Sakina Dianga, Mohamud H. Ahmed, Nuria Dika Wario, Teresa Maina, Hildah Wambui Mugo, Granton Samboja, Phillip Kisia, Kenneth Waithiru, Chrisologus Makokha and Jane Musyoka.

KICC fields its first speaker at ICCA Congress T

he KICC once again made strides in the international conferencing arena when its sales manager, Ben Asoro, was invited to speak at the 50th ICCA Congress in Leipzig, Germany, in October.

Speaking on the topic of ‘Africa – The Frontier in International Association Congress Business’, Mr Asoro highlighted the tremendous repositioning that Africa has undergone in order to fully exploit the fast-growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) business.

His speech elaborated on access to Africa, airline connectivity for conferences in Africa, infrastructure in conferences and conference support services in Africa.

Mr Asoro, who is a member of the National MICE Committee & Secre-

tariat, was the first ever panellist from Africa in the 50 years of ICCA being a CTDLT-partnership.

The MICE Committee is an organisation created to promote conference tourism in Kenya.

8 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

Ben Asoro, centre, consults KICC chairman, Ibrahim Mutwaffy, on the presentation on Africa’s International Association Development

CONFERENCE GROWTH

Kenya moves up league table for conference tourism

By Silvia Mochorwa

K

enya has risen to third place in africa and 56th worldwide in the 2011 official ranking of the international congress and convention association (icca). this compares with fourth place and 60th place respectively in 2010.

The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) is a member the ICCA, which is an umbrella organisation for international conferences and conventions. Last year Kenya was ranked fourth in Africa after South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. This year it beat Morocco to be ranked third after South Africa and Egypt.

According to the recent ICCA report, Kenya played host to 27 high-profile international conferences in 2010.

South Africa hosted 86 while Egypt and Morocco recorded 35 and 25 conferences respectively.

Key venues In terms of city rankings in Africa, Nairobi for the first time achieved second place after Cape Town with 24 conferences and emerged 74th out of 350 cities worldwide, ahead of such key venues as Cairo in Egypt, Marrakech in Morocco and Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa.

CONfereNCeS HOSted

rANK

COUNtry

1

South Africa

86

2

Egypt

35

3

Morocco

25

4

Kenya

27

Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa also appeared in the rankings for the first time after hosting three Association conferences in the period under review.

KICC, as the pioneering home of the MICE sector in Kenya, hosted 19 of the Association conferences.

KICC, as the pioneering home of the MICE sector in Kenya, hosted 19 of the Association conferences In terms of its competitiveness and popularity in the international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector, Nairobi is now on a par with Brisbane, Australia, Lyon and Nice in France and ReykjavĂ­k, the capital of Iceland.

With its head office in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, the ICCA represents the main bodies specialising in the organisation of international meetings and events. It comprises 900 member companies and organisations in 85 countries around the world.

mikutano 9

pictorial

3

1

2

6

7

4

10 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

Pictorial 1. beatrice Makawiti, managing

director of Kicc, chats with guests during the icca africa chapter cocktail party at Kicc

2. Lyne iyadi (left), of Kicc, with guests during the icca africa chapter cocktail party

5

3. the hon. najib balala,

Minister for tourism, with Mice committee & secretariat members during the launch of the Mice strategy

4. fred simiyu (left) with guests during the icca africa chapter party

5. daniel Muoki (right) with

guests during the icca africa chapter party

6. the Minister for tourism, the hon. najib balala with the Kicc board members during the board inauguration ceremony in July

7. sylvia Mochorwa and Lyne

iyadi with icca africa chapter delegate

8. delegates chatting during the icca africa chapter party

>>

8 mikutano 11

pictorial

10 9

12 16

15 12 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

>>

9. Beatrice Makawiti with

delegates, Rashid Toffey

10. Stakeholders follow

proceedings during the MICE strategy launch

11. The Hon. Najib Balala, Minister for Tourism, officially launches the MICE strategy. Looking on (from second left): Permanent Secretary for Tourism Leah Gwiyo, MICE chairman Les Baillie, KICC Managing Director Beatrice Makawiti, and Gaudencia Wasike and Samwel Mwendia of KICC

11

12. The Hon. Najib Balala,

Minister for Tourism, validates the MICE strategy. He is flanked by Sylvia Mochorwa and Gaudencia Wasike of KICC

13. KICC staff during the official

reopening of the revolving floor on the 28th floor of the KICC building

14. KICC staff planting a tree at the Prof. Wangari Maathai Green Corner

15. The Hon. Najib Balala, Minister

13

for Tourism, presents MICE chairman Les Baillie with the strategic plan booklet as Leah Gwiyo, Permanent Secretary for Tourism, looks on

14 17

16. The Hon. Najib Balala, Minister for Tourism, chats with KICC chairman Ibrahim Mutwaffy (left) and a guest during the reopening of the revolving floor

17. Bernerd Asoro, Sales

Manager KICC addressing ICCA members during the conference on Africa’s new frontier for international association development in Leipzig, Germany.

mikutano 13

SECURITY

Security tops the agenda at KICC

By Silvia Mochorwa

T

he safety of delegates is top of the agenda for Kenyatta international conference centre (Kicc), which prides itself on the high standard of its security staff and protective systems.

Conference organisers lay great emphasis on security and safety. KICC is able to reassure delegates that they are in safe

Built in 1969, the 30-storey centre is a landmark on the Nairobi skyline and the only building in the region with its own helipad. The centre has an excellent track-record in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, having hosted a number of highprofile conferences that have impacted on all sectors of the economy.

Conference organisers lay great emphasis on security and safety. KICC is able to reassure delegates that they are in safe hands, having successfully handled a number of major international conferences hands, having successfully handled a number of major international conferences.

KICC was established as a state corporation on 9 July 2004 and mandated to promote business or conference tourism, which has become an important niche in tourism industry.

The centre has been bidding aggressively for international conferences – hence the number of high-profile events scheduled up to 2015.

KICC has eight fully equipped conference halls including the 26,306 sq ft Tsavo Ballroom, the largest facility of its kind in

14 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

East and Central Africa, with a capacity of 5,000 delegates. This pillarless hall is able to provide maximum exibility for various types of events.

Prestigious One of the few public institutions to be ISO certified, the centre is also a member of such prestigious associations as the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for purposes of international benchmarking, database mining and tracking and bidding for qualified leads.

Strategic KICC believes in expansive business development and has built up a network of strategic partners with a view to gaining maximum competitive advantage in the MICE sector.

A very well protected facility T

he Kenyatta International Conference Centre is strategically located in the central business district of Nairobi and is surrounded by highly secured institutions such as the Kenya Police Headquarters, the High Court of Kenya and the Office of the President. This alone is a guarantee of security at the centre.

There is a fully equipped police station inside the centre to ensure the security of delegates. The centre is also guarded by the respected company Bob Morgan Security.

KICC prides itself on its ultra-modern electronic security system, which covers all meeting rooms, entrances, main gates and walking paths in the building.

The centre has strong walls and several gates with barriers all the way from the main gates to the entrance of the building. After a security check at the main gate, delegates and visitors are screened at the entrance to the building.

mikutano 15

EVENTS CALENDAR This is the official list of events expected at the KICC this year. It will be amended from time to time as new developments come up. Our clients are therefore advised to consult this list for any references concerning events hosted at the centre to prevent misinformation and inconvenience.

For further information: Email: info@kicc.co.ke or call: +254 20 3261117

16 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

EVENTS CALENDAR

Date Event Category

Number attending

21 to 25 Feb 2011

Eastern and Southern Accountants General Meeting

Governance

800

22 to 24 Feb 2011

Africa Air Cargo Exhibition

Infrastructure

13 to 16 Feb 2011

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Economic

150

1 to 3 Mar 2011

East African Banking Technologies

Economic

250

7 Mar 2011

Executive meeting

Environmental

7 to 10 Mar 2011

International E-government Conference

Technology

1,000

7 to 13 Mar 2011

Committee meetings

Governance

180

7 to 9 Mar 2011

Ministry of Public Works Meeting

Governance

207

8 to 10 Mar 2011

National Bureau of Statistics Meeting

Economic

20

10 Mar 2011

Launch and Strategic Plan

Economic

200

10 Mar 2011

Launch of Service Chapter

Environmental

200

10 Mar 2011

Barclays Bank Business Club

Economic

600

12 Mar 2011

Animation Expo

Entertainment

17 to 20 March 2011

Fashionist International Fashion Show

Trade

200

22 to 25 Mar 2011

1st Brazil in East Africa Expo

Economic

380

23 to 25 Mar 2011

East Africa Youth Forum, EAC Conference

Governance

700

27 to 31 Mar 2011

7th Conference on African Ministers in Public Service, CAMPS

Governance

300

1 to 5 May 2011

Kenya National Examination Conference, AEAA

Education

300

7 to 19 May 2011

Samsung Africa Innovation in Technology Exhibition

Trade

400

26 to 28 May 2011

Kenya Education and Scientific Institute

Education

280

2 to 4 June 2011

SME fair

Exhibition

30

2 to 24 June 2011

Iranian Exhibition

Trade

40

3 June 2011

Public sector TOWA meeting

Meeting

70

3 June 2011

PPOA workshop

Workshop

3 June 2011

National Bank 42nd AGM

AGM

10 June 2011

Graduation

Graduation

200

10 June 2011

Stakeholders Meeting

Meeting

197

10 to 13 June 2011

14th Kenya International Trade Exhibition

Exhibition

10 to 18 June

Kenya International Trade Fair

Trade

22 to 25 June 2011

3rd Turkish Trade Fair

Fair

60

27 to 30 June 2011

International Expo and Conference for Renewable Energy

Expo

50

24 to 27 June 2011

Africa Export And Import Fair

Fair

60

7 to 9 July 2011

Auto Parts East Africa

Trade

150

13 to 15 July 2011

Plast Pack

Trade

150

13 to 15 July 2011

African International Business and Management Conference AIBUMA

Trade

700

19 to 21 July 2011

Paper Print and Packaging

Trade

150

8,080

55

50

400 3,000

80 180

mikutano 17

18 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

EVENTS CALENDAR

EVENTS CALENDAR continued...

Date Event Category

Number attending

25 to 27 July 2011

Food Expo Africa

Trade

150

9 Aug 2011

IT security Techniques Conference, KBS

Technology

300

16 to 21 Aug 2011

Royal Thai Expo

Trade

220

24 to 27 Aug 2011

Africa Export and Import Fair

Trade

150

9 to 11 Sept

Total Motorshow

Trade

15 Sept 2011

Barclays Bank Product Launch

Launch

400

19 and 25 Sept 2011

Kenya National Association for the Deaf

Awareness

600

24 Sept 2011

Centum Investment AGM

Meeting

28 and 29 Sept 2011

Comesa-EADC-SADC Tripartite and IGAD Investment Conference

Economic

30 Sept to 1 Oct

AFDB PIDA Study

Conference

80

1 Oct 2011

Vision Institute Graduation

Graduation

1,000

4 to 6 Oct 2011

National Energy Conference

Conference

800

5 to 8 Oct 2011

Division of Leprosy and Lung Disease Lung Conference

Health

500

30 Oct 2011

Kenya Education Network

Conference

9 to 14 Oct 2011

ISO JTEC Technology Conference

Conference

500

11 to 14 Oct 2011

Launch of Women Decade in Africa Conference

Governance

800

12 to 15 Oct 2011

African Adaptation Programme Kenya

Expo

13 to 16 Oct 2011

14th Homes Kenya Expo

Infrastructure

18 Oct 2011

Institute of Public Accountants Training

Training

19 Oct 2011

KTB Mega Farm Expo

Expo

19 to 23 Oct 2011

Buildex Expo

Expo

21 Oct 2011

Taxpayers’ Luncheon

Luncheon

21 to 23 Oct 2011

Profex Exhibition

Expo

24 to 26 Oct 2011

National Health Stakeholders Conference

Conference

1 to 3 Nov 2011

ISO Certified Companies Expo/APEX

Expo

7 to 9 Nov 2011

Africa Congress of Accountants

Governance

13 to 16 Nov 2011

Women Enterprise Week

Expo

21 and 22 Nov 2011

African Industrialisation Day

Conference/Expo

15 and 16 Nov 2011

1st National Regional Centres of Expertise(RCE)

Conference/Expo

22 Nov 2011

ICT Awards

Awards

24 to 26 Nov 2011

HIV/Aids Convention

Conference

500

24 to 26 Nov 2011

COTU Conference

Conference

500

26 to 29 Nov 2011

15th Kenya International Trade Exhibition

Trade

2 to 5 Dec 2011

3rd Kenya Building Materials Expo

Infrastructure

4 to 9 Dec 2011

Legatum Conference

Meeting

9 Dec 2011

SOYA Awards

Awards

1,000

18 Dec 2011

Laugh Festival

Leisure

5,000

1,600 500

400

3,000 800

mikutano 19

Q&A

m

Conference tourism buoyed by new MICE strategy

20 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

Q&A

A

Contributing Editor Denis Gathanju meets

Daniel Muoki, Head of Research and Product Development at KICC Corporation

C

onference tourism is on an upward trajectory in Kenya. The sub-sector has gone from strength to strength and today Kenya is taking steps to become the preferred conferencing destination in the region.

Over the past few months, the sub-sector has received notable attention, especially with the formation of the new MICE Committee, which is tasked with ensuring that the newly launched MICE Strategy works.

Mikutano Contributing Editor Denis Gathanju sat down with Daniel Muoki, the Head of Research and Product Development at KICC Corporation, to elaborate more on this. Excerpts: Denis Gathanju (DG): In a nutshell, explain the importance of the newly formed MICE Committee.

Daniel Muoki (DM): First and foremost, the composition of the MICE Committee is derived from both the public and private sectors. This is so as to attract the best ideas from the industry and ensure that the overall agenda, which is to make Kenya a favourable MICE destination, is achieved through partnerships between the government and the private sector.

Secondly, the MICE Committee, which was formed in July 2010, has a national outlook and will be the co-ordinating body or organ that will spearhead the implementation of the newly launched MICE Strategy.

DG: Conference tourism has been on a growth path over the last few years.

What can we expect from the MICE Committee and the MICE Strategy?

DM: The immediate role of the MICE Committee will be to lay the groundwork for conference tourism in Kenya.

The committee is also tasked with the responsibility of co-ordinating the conference bidding process for Destination

mikutano 21

Q&A

‘The MICE Strategy is a blueprint that will map out the direction that conference tourism in Kenya will take’

Kenya and will also play an advisory role to the government as well as act as a bridge between the government and the private sector. The MICE Committee is a precursor to the soon-to-be formulated National Convention Bureau.

The MICE Strategy, on the other hand, is a blueprint that will map out the direction that conference tourism in Kenya will take. The strategy will help Kenya identify key areas that we will need to work on to ensure that we remain competitive in the global conference tourism market. The MICE Committee and the resultant MICE Strategy came about after a national survey on MICE was commissioned by the Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Tourism.

DG: And what were the findings of that survey?

DM: The National MICE Survey was conducted between September and November 2010. Among the key findings from the survey, it was noted that the growth of the sub-sector was hampered by weak legislation that did not protect the investors and regulate the sub-sector.

The survey also found that existing MICE facilities in Kenya were of poor standards and did not match up to the high standards of similar facilities around the world. It also found that Kenya had a disjointed marketing strategy whereby players did not work together to help win international conference bids. It was also found that Kenya did not have a clear-cut marketing and promotion programme that would help bring international meets into the country.

DG: Kindly highlight some of the recommendations under the new MICE Strategy.

DM: From the survey, it was noted that conference tourism has almost immediate effects on both the regional and national economy. Having a major conference centre in a location will act as a nucleus for economic growth within and around the convention centre. With this in mind, the new MICE Strategy recommends that new convention centres be developed in other major cities. The new proposed convention sites include Mombasa, Kisumu and Isiolo.

22 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

conference tourism is at least five times higher than holiday tourism. Moreover, at least 40 per cent of conference delegates will visit the destination as holidaymakers in future since they would like to see and experience the destination better.

Exchange Thirdly, conference tourism encourages intellectual exchange. When a professional organisation decides to hold a conference in Kenya, our student and professional communities in the respective fields are able to attend and gain intellectual knowledge through exchanges with leading professionals and experts from other countries. This is a big bonus for the country.

Another difference between conference tourism and leisure tourism is the fact that the delegates must attend the conference. The decision to have an international conference in a place like Kenya is made well DG: Why is conference tourism important for Kenya?

DM: Over the last few years, conference tourism in Kenya has been riding on the overall tourism sector. However, there has been a need to place much emphasis and focus on conference tourism for many reasons.

First, conference tourism never dries up.

This sub-sector has kept the revenues coming even after the near-collapse of the traditional tourism sector.

Secondly, and most importantly, the multiplier effects from conference tourism are

‘The National MICE Survey was conducted between September and November 2010. Among the key findings from the survey, it was noted that the growth of the sub-sector was hampered by weak legislation that did not protect the investors and regulate the sub-sector’ felt in the economy almost instantly. This is because conference tourism attracts delegates from professional organisations who have higher spending powers than the holiday tourists. Our research has indicated that the multiplier effect of

in advance and chances of the conference destination being changed and/or cancelled are minimal. This is unlike leisure tourism, whereby the individual can cancel his trip at the last moment and opt to visit a different destination for one reason or the other.

NAIROBI A HUB FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

24 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

BUSINESS HUB

A

frica has remained the final frontier for global investments.

The renewed scramble for Africa by leading multinational corporations has hastened the adoption of new technologies and the accelerated economic development and socio-political realignment on the continent.

East and Central Africa region and the whole continent.

Kenya has benefited hugely from the investments pouring in from the developed economies of Europe and North America and the emerging markets of the Middle East and Far East.

Airport

With its central location on the east coast of Africa and as a gateway to the wider markets of East Africa and the Great Lakes

Major international businesses have been attracted to Nairobi not only by its good location and favourable climate but also because of the highly trained workforce available in Kenya.

Aside from the road expansion and upgrade programme, the Kenyan government has also invested over US$200 million in the expansion and modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Following a major fleet and route expansion programme by the national

With its central location on the east coast of Africa, Kenya has become a key destination that continues to attract investors Region, Kenya has become a key destination that continues to attract investors.

With an ever expanding and improved infrastructural network that is unrivalled in the region, Kenya provides many foreign businesses with an added advantage as they seek to expand into new markets across the region.

carrier, Kenya Airways, especially within African airspace, capacity at JKIA has been stretched and this has led to an expansion of the airport.

Today, JKIA is one of the largest and most important aviation hubs in Africa, serving more than 40 local, regional and international passenger and cargo carriers.

As well as being home to the African headquarters of various multinational corporations, Nairobi is the only Third World capital to contain the world headquarters of a major United Nations agency. Both the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) are based in Nairobi.

As well as being a regional business and commercial hub, Nairobi is an important centre for the diplomatic corps. Well known as a venue for conferences and other events, Nairobi has played host to various meetings of regional and international heads of governments and other diplomatic gatherings.

Expansion

The city has a range of conference and meeting venues suitable for small, mediumsized and large delegations. Key among these is the iconic Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), built in the 1970s. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the KICC is one of the most important MICE venues in the country and has hosted some of the biggest conferences in Nairobi in the recent past.

In order to consolidate its position as a leading investment and business hub in the region, the Kenyan government in recent years has pumped millions of dollars into an upgrade and expansion of the infrastructure to ease transport and communications. These major investments include a city-wide road expansion programme in the nation’s capital, Nairobi. This has been prompted by various factors, most notably that Nairobi is not only the political and administrative capital of Kenya but has also become a centre of economic activity for Kenya, the

In recent years, the KICC has undergone a major rehabilitation and modernisation programme to bring it into line with some of the best conference and convention centres in the region.

mikutano 25

EXPANSION

26 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

Kenya looks to expand MICE sector by investing in new larger conference venues T

ourism plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Kenyan economy. Today, the sector is one of the country’s highest foreign exchange earners and provides job opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans.

Moreover, it is hard to underestimate the benefits brought by this sector to other parts of the economy such as agriculture, banking, insurance and related services.

With this in mind, the Kenyan government has identified tourism as one of the pillars of its Vision 2030 economic blueprint aimed at transforming Kenya into a middle-income economy.

exhibitions) committee, which has been given the task of making Kenya a significant and internationally competitive MICE destination.

Among the committee’s many recommendations is the establishment of modern convention centres away from the capital. Currently, Kenya has only one conference centre capable of hosting several thousand delegates at a time. While this has been a positive attribute, the lack of accommodation facilities in Nairobi has been a barrier to further development of this sub-sector.

In response, policy shapers are looking to spread the benefits of conference tourism to other parts of the country.

The Kenyan government has identified tourism as one of the pillars of its Vision 2030 economic blueprint aimed at transforming Kenya into a middle-income economy Policy makers have been looking for new ways to expand the tourism sector to ensure that the Kenyan economy continues to benefit from the industry.

This has led to calls for diversification of the product and service offerings in the tourism sector so as to enhance the yield from traditional beach holidays and game safaris.

One of the new growth channels they have identified is conference tourism.

With the parliamentary Tourism Bill currently awaiting presidential assent, the industry has been given a boost by the recent formation of a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and

They believe the spin-off from such venues hosting international meetings will bring benefits to local economies and help to drive up economic growth.

Proposed Mombasa ICC Kenya’s second city, Mombasa, with its long history and its location by the Indian Ocean, is well known as a popular holiday destination. Used as a stopover in 1498 by the famous navigator, Vasco da Gama, the settlement was first ruled by the Portuguese and later by the Arabs. The culture and architecture of the city have been

mikutano 27

strongly influenced by these past occupations and today landmarks such as Fort Jesus are popular tourism sites.

Mombasa has an advanced infrastructural network that includes an extensive road network, a rail link to Nairobi, a major seaport and an international airport.

been allocated 15 acres in Haller Park and is looking to develop a Green Convention Centre in tandem with the Convention Centre of Dublin.

As well as leading to greater product diversity for Mombasa, a convention centre on the north coast would bring a number of key benefits:

As the hub of Kenya’s tourism industry, Mombasa has a hotel capacity of over 40,000 beds in properties of up to fivestar rating. Most of the hotels are in the north coast region.

• Availability of 20 beach hotels and resorts within a 5 km radius

The hotel seasons are defined as low season (April to mid July), high season (mid July to August), shoulder season (September to mid December) and high season (mid December to March).

• Good choice of entertainment spots

In order to ensure all-year-round occupancy, the city has diversified into the hosting of major sports and other events. They include: • 2007 IAAF World Cross Country Championships • Mombasa Marathon • The biennial Safari Rally • Kenya National Rally Championship.

Opportunity With its large hotel capacity, Mombasa has the potential to host major conferences. While several of the city’s hotels have conference venues, the lack of a large convention centre is regarded as a weak point in its bid to be a conference destination of choice.

• Ready access to Mombasa International Airport, with direct flights to and from key European cities

• First-rate safety and security including a dedicated Tourist Police Unit • Proximity to recreation sites such as Mombasa Marine Park, Fort Jesus, Haller Park and more.

Future Kisumu ICC The lakeside city of Kisumu has a strategic location within the Lake Victoria basin. The many islands in this region are of great significance to the economic development of the city.

Kisumu is in the heart of the Great Lakes Region and could be developed into a regional hub for the whole of East Africa thanks to its ready access to neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. The airport has been refurbished and is set to be transformed into an international airport. This will go a long way towards improving air connections to and from the region.

The development of these new international convention centres will play into the new strategy that aims to put Kenya on the world map as a MICE destination of choice Policy makers in the MICE industry have identified the need for a state-of-the-art convention centre in Mombasa to complement the city’s traditional leisure tourism facilities.

The development of such a centre would help to ensure all-year-round hotel occupancy. Now, the Kenyatta International Conference Centre has

Kisumu lies in the western part of Kenya and is the country’s thirdlargest city, with a population of about 700,000.

The city is fast emerging as a centre of excellence for education, with seven universities and several other institutions. This has generated a

28 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

huge demand for accommodation and conference facilities. The recent branding of tourism sites in Kisumu and the surrounding area has also led to new opportunities in the hotel and construction industry.

Only five minutes’ drive from the city centre are Ndere Island National Park and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. The sanctuary contains free-range impala and zebra while other larger game are caged. Also in the local area is the sacred rock known as Kit Mikai.

Today, Kisumu is a commercial, communications and administrative centre for the Lake Victoria region. It has become a major transport hub within East Africa and the Great Lakes Region with a modern ICT system and a well developed infrastructure and utilities to cope with growing demand.

As an economic hub with an airport that will soon be upgraded to international standards, Kisumu looks set to attract more organisers of high-profile meetings to the Great Lakes Region.

This is expected to lead to a growth in commerce and an influx of tourists, creating new demand for housing, hotel accommodation and a large convention centre capable of hosting major events and conferences.

Proposed Isiolo ICC The town of Isiolo in eastern Kenya, 285 km north of Nairobi, has a lot of conference tourism potential. The town has been identified under Vision 2030 as one of the new destinations for conference tourism.

With a population of about 80,000 comprising people of Cushitic origin, Isiolo has also acquired new status as a resort city. Its three national game reserves – Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba – have become destinations of choice for safaris.

Isiolo lies within a wider region offering good amenities and infrastructure with the potential to produce outstanding economic growth for the town, the region and the whole country. They include:

EXPANSION • Universities and colleges – The region has a Methodist university in Meru and a Kimathi university in Nyeri • Hotels – The region has over 3,300 beds in tourist, budget and other classes of accommodation • Arenas: There are open stadiums in Nyeri, Nanyuki, Meru and Isiolo including agricultural show venues in Nyeri and Meru • Transport infrastructure – The region has good air access, with three airstrips located in Nyeri, Nanyuki and Isiolo • Isiolo is an integral part of the proposed Second Transport Corridor to link Nairobi with the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

There are also plans for a road and rail link through Isiolo from the new port at Lamu to Juba, capital of the newly formed South Sudan.

The development of these new international convention centres will play into the new strategy that aims to put Kenya on the world map as a MICE destination of choice.

Development The spin-offs from such developments will enhance trade and commerce and will impact on the regional economies, helping to create new jobs and open up new revenue streams for local government and businesses. They will also enhance the development of tourism in Kenya as it diversifies into other sub-sectors to complement the traditional beach holidays and game safaris.

mikutano 29

National MICE Strategy seen as vital for future of tourism T

he new MICE Strategy, unveiled by Tourism Minister Najib Balala at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), captures key aspects that need to be implemented or formulated to ensure that Kenya remains a competitive MICE destination, builds on its strengths and develops new standards and facilities.

The MICE Strategy is expected to ride on the Tourism Bill, passed by the Kenyan parliament in April 2011 and now awaiting presidential assent to turn into law. The Tourism Act prescribes the establishment of the following institutions: • Tourism Regulatory Authority to be the regulating body of the tourism industry • Kenya Italia College to be the authority in training and capacity building for the tourism industry • Kenya Tourist Board to be the main marketing agency for tourism • Kenyatta International Convention Centre to host, organise and promote conference tourism • Tourism Research and Monitoring Institute • Tourism Fund for development and marketing for tourism products • Tourism Finance Corporation to finance investments in tourism • Tourism Tribunal to arbitrate on tourism-related disputes.

These proposals, while they are intended for the whole industry, will provide fodder for the advancement of the Kenyan MICE sub-sector.

The MICE Strategy is a six-point blueprint that is expected to build on the strengths of the Tourism Bill. Its six strategic points include:

Development of MICE tourism policy and legislation This MICE strategy point advocates the development of MICE sub-sector specific policies that will chart the way towards the development and management of the industry in order to keep it competitive globally.

Industry organisation and synergy It has been noted that the MICE subsector lacks clearly defined structures of organisation and co-ordination. For the sub-sector to scale new heights, it has been recommended that greater emphasis

30 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

be placed on establishing organisational structures that will enhance greater synergy among industry players. This, in turn, will enhance responsibility and kickstart a self-regulatory mechanism for the sub-sector. For this to happen, the MICE sub-sector will require:

Establishment of the National Convention Bureau This is a critical component for the advancement of the MICE sub-sector in Kenya. The NCB is expected to be a private sector driven, quasi government organisation that will be responsible for co-ordinating the national MICE marketing and promotional programmes.

The board of the NCB is expected to include at least 40 per cent membership from key ministries in the national government such as the Office of the

STRATEGY

President, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Another 40 per cent is expected to be drawn from the national MICE association and the remaining 20 per cent from strategic professionals and associations in the private sector, to be nominated to the board by the Minister of Tourism or Cabinet Secretary.

latory mechanism that provides checks and balances for the sub-sector among industry players.

The NCB is also expected to sign a performance agreement with the government and the MICE industry association outlining key performance targets.

• Discipline of members • To handle grievances from clients and the public

Creating synergy within and without the industry

Establishment of a MICE business self-regulatory mechanism

• Focal point for creating synergy

For the MICE sub-sector to fully take off, it is imperative for the sub-sector to be industry player driven. For this to happen, the sub-sector needs to have a self-regu-

• To provide training forums for members.

Creating synergies among public and private sector players within and without the industry is expected to go a long way towards ensuring the successful implementation of the strategy.

All players in the MICE industry should be encouraged to become members.

Identification of frontline players who manage the various key demand aspects

Recommendations have been made for the establishment of a MICE industry association with the following mandate: • To create and enforce standards

• Contact point for meeting organisers

Membership will be by individual companies and not through other associations.

The MICE association should be driven by the private sector, although public institutions with a stake in MICE, such as Bomas of Kenya and National Museums of Kenya, will be eligible for membership.

The Kenyan government will not exercise any control of the association but will facilitate regulation and policy formulation.

mikutano 31

STRATEGY

of the MICE industry and bringing them towards a focused effort of developing the industry shall be crucial success factors.

Research, information dissemination, monitoring and evaluation In recent years, the MICE industry has emerged as a critical component in national economies across the world.

Today, it is regarded as a vital cog in the wheel of tourism and other aspects of national economies.

In Kenya, it has been identified that the lack of accurate data to support this has hindered the development of the sub-sector, since accurate computations of its value to the regional and national economies cannot be arrived at.

Marketing, promotion and public relations Marketing and promotion of the MICE industry is unique in spite of the fact that it rides on most of the infrastructure established for the larger tourism industry and the general economy.

For this to happen, a successful marketing and promotion campaign needs to appreciate the key elements that distinguish MICE industry from the rest of the tourism industry, since the sub-sector is largely a business-to-business industry, with a longer lead time and a complex decisionmaking process.

The industry also has close links to business and academic communities and has varied clients, markets and decisionmaking factors.

In this respect, therefore, it is imperative that: a) Kenya’s MICE industry needs to engage in concerted marketing, promotion and public relations campaigns that will help raise the profile of the destination as a new frontier in MICE business in the region b) Engage in MICE business development initiatives to ensure continuity and sustainability of the industry c) Engage in concerted and continuous efforts to research, qualify and bid for international MICE business.

Product development and diversification The MICE sub-sector has great potential for growth and development. Kenya has an opportunity to develop flagship meetings, incentive travel programmes, conferences, events and exhibitions.

For this to happen, there is a need to develop various standards for conferences in Kenya such as business centres, clinics,

32 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

room sizes, conference packages and administration standards.

The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), to be established through the enactment of the Tourism Bill 2011, shall be tasked with the role of developing appropriate national MICE tourism standards. Priority areas in standards development and regulation include: • Event and exhibition organisation – both training and licensing • Conference organisation – training and licensing • Convention venues – minimum space, safety and security requirements • Event and exhibition venues – space, safety and security requirements.

Human resources Still under product development, there is expected to be a national MICE training curriculum to help ensure a standardised training format for the MICE industry.

Industry players as well as other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, the Kenya Utalii College, the National Convention Bureau and the MICE private sector shall develop a standard MICE tourism curriculum that shall be available for tertiary training institutions.

With the training, a standardised professional certification shall be offered to the

individuals trained and examined under the MICE curriculum.

In this respect, therefore, the following funding opportunities shall be explored:

Financing

• Government allocation and tourism infrastructure bonds

Availability of funds for the implementation of the national MICE Strategy is critical. This will require the mobilisation of resources from various sources towards the realisation of every goal envisioned under the national MICE Strategy.

This will involve synergetic engagements among the government and private sector players in the industry, especially in marketing, promotion and public relations.

• Private sector contributions, sponsorships, partnerships • Financing from Tourism Finance Corporation and Tourism Fund • International donor and development funding.

34 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

GO GREEN

Green is the new black in the global meetings industry

By Lyne Iyadi

E

nvironment sustainability is a sensitive issue in the modern day. The millennium development goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognise that environmental sustainability is a vital part of global economic and social wellbeing. Unfortunately, the exploitation of natural resources, often by the dominant few, has led to a depletion and depreciation of the environment, with alarming and often devastating effects on the ecosystem in recent decades. This affects the most vulnerable societies and populations.

Mindful of this, the meetings industry is stepping up its efforts to create an environmentally friendly experience for

achieve the ultimate green meetings experience, the organiser must have an objective and realistic plan so that all facets of a particular event can be measured, managed and monitored.

The KICC has not been left behind in this campaign for sustainability. The initial thinking about green meetings and green conferencing at the KICC began in 1967 when the centre was under construction.

This is evident in the general architecture of the building. A good example is the amphitheatre hall, an environmentally sensitive room that epitomises the use of natural air and light in its thoughtful design, while also depicting the beauty of the African heritage.

The KICC recognises and appreciates its role in achieving environmental best practices and constantly making improvements to its day-to-day business activities delegates. The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), in its efforts to champion an environmentally sensitive experience, believes all industry players have a role to play in the greening process. Professional conference organisers are encouraged to select products, procedures, supplies and critical brand standards that uphold sustainability policies and can provide third party, independently verified credentials to support their green claims.

Forward planning is a good idea when it comes to green meetings. In order to

The KICC recognises and appreciates its role in achieving environmental best practices and constantly making improvements to its day-to-day business activities.

This includes compliance with all legal requirements as well as with socio-political by-laws related to the environment.

As part of this effort, various mechanisms and management systems have been set up. The KICC is committed to the effective management of energy and waste recycling, including reducing the amount of harmful emissions by saving energy. This helps to reduce the greenhouse effect and acid rain. The KICC also

recycles paper wherever possible and reduces paper usage by limiting communications and by company-wide initiatives such as double-sided printing.

Focused In an effort to champion the cause of green meetings at regional level, the KICC’s concern about environmental issues is focused on the following areas: • Planning and development: The KICC aims to consider environment best practice in new projects and a refurbishment process for MICE facilities.

• Resources management: The KICC has a well maintained water and sewer management system and is in the process of developing its Building Management System and taking positive steps to maximise efficiency.

• Indoor air quality and external air emissions: The KICC strives to ensure that air emissions are properly managed to minimise the detrimental effects of chemicals and pollutants.

• Conservation: As a green-sensitive institution, the KICC gives top priority to environmental conservation. Its Global Forest scheme is a prime manifestation of its green claims. Here, a number of indigenous species occur, not only as a reserve area but also as a symbol of the heritage and multicultural dynamics of this landmark since its inception. This gives active support to green initiatives, organisations and personalities that indulge in the KICC experience.

mikutano 35

Appreciation

KICC team wins praise for Coast Nite efforts O

n behalf of Showbiz Info Ltd, I would like to thank KICC for hosting and partnering us in the recent Coast Nite. We really appreciate all the support given to us before and during the event. We also want to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the entire KICC marketing, security and housekeeping team.

We also want to thank Virginia Gikonyo, who has always been courteous, prompt with communication and a joy to work with.

Above all, we particularly want to thank you for believing in us.

The event ran smoothly in spite of the prevailing security situation, which had an impact on attendance numbers.

Events The next Coast Nite events will be held on 6 April and 2 November 2012 and we most humbly request the support of you and your team for these events.

Once again, our sincere thanks.

John Katana Managing Director Showbiz Info Ltd PO Box 11866 - 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 214 3040 (0)720 708 319/ (0)733 794 080 www.showbizeastafrica.com Events Management, Roadshows, Music Production, Music Projects, Disco (DJs) Hire, Artiste Management, PA Hire and Internet Advertising

36 mikutano

PREVENTING HIV & AIDS

By Abigail Ayako Ojwang’ KICC Educator/Counselor

T

he Kenyatta International Conference Centre has its employees’ welfare at heart. This is why, time and again, I engage the staff in counselling and educational programmes about health issues. In this particular issue I will talk about HIV/AIDS prevention.

Preventing HIV Infection The most reliable ways to avoid becoming infected with or transmitting HIV are: • Abstain from sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal or anal sex) • Be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner • Abstain from sharing needles and/or syringes for non-prescription drugs.

HIV and STDs Employees of KICC are informed that all partners should get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before initiating sexual intercourse. Having STD increases, by two to five times, the likelihood of a person becoming infected with HIV and increases the likelihood that an infected person will transmit HIV. If a person chooses to have sexual intercourse with a partner whose infection status is unknown or who is infected with HIV or another STD, a new condom should be used for each act of sexual intercourse.

Abstinence and Safe Sex The management of KICC takes employees through ways of prevention of HIV/AIDs. The employees are told about abstinence as one way to prevent HIV transmission. They are encouraged to wait until they are in a monogamous

relationship with someone who is not HIV infected. In cases where employees are sexually active, they are encouraged to limit the number of partners they have, to know their sexual history and to use condoms consistently during sex.

HIV and Injection Drug Users Employees are further informed that injection drug use has accounted, directly and indirectly, for over 36 per cent of AIDS cases. Beyond abstinence, using a new, sterile needle or syringe with each injection remains the safest and most effective way to limit HIV transmission.

Employees are further told that using illicit injectable drugs is dangerous; it can impair their decision-making ability, which can lead to risky behaviour. Employees are further informed that, in cases of illegal drug use, they have an opportunity to see a counsellor.

Get Tested Employees are reminded that, if they have put themselves at risk of HIV infection, they should get tested. This is one of the best ways of preventing the spread of HIV to someone else, because they can be more informed about their status and change their behaviour. In addition, if they are infected, they can be managed under the KICC medical insurance and get treatment if necessary in order to prevent the progression to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women In the case of expectant employees, the KICC is keen to educate them that, if they are pregnant and have put themselves at risk, they should get tested. Pregnant employees have access to counselling.

Early diagnosis allows a woman to receive effective antiretroviral therapies for her own health and preventive drugs (for example, Zidovudine, also known as ZDV) to improve the chances that her infant will be born free of infection.

REVOLVING RESTAURANT

Revolving restaurant makes a comeback

T

he region’s only revolving restaurant, on the 27th floor of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, will be back in operation early next year.

The restaurant’s revolving plate, which had been out of order for some time, has been replaced. The motor now takes a maximum of 45 minutes to complete one revolution.

The KICC, through Kenya Tourist Board, launched the first phase of the project on 18 October 2011 when it hosted KTB’s global representatives. A restaurant set-up was arranged to mimic the actual appearance of the restaurant when the project is completed.

State-of-the-art The revolving plate can accommodate a maximum of 200 people at a time. The corporation will partner with a private developer through local and international expressions of interest to create a state-ofthe-art restaurant serving high-end clients.

The revolving restaurant holds many nostalgic memories for customers. In particular, it was often used as an engagement venue for couples because of its unique ambience. These memories will be rekindled once the restaurant is back in business.

The KICC restaurant will be the only one of its kind in the region. It is also one of only seven in Africa, along with three in South Africa, two in Egypt, one in Libya and another in Uganda .

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Najib Balala, addresses guests and press during the launch of the KICC revolving 28th floor which will soon be turned to a 5*star restaurant.

The KICC restaurant will be the only one of its kind in the region mikutano 37

Major conferences and events held since 2004

DATES

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FROM 2004 TO JUNE 2010 CLASSIFICATION

23 to 26 Mar 2004

International Investment Conference

Trade conference

3,000

23 to 26 Nov 2004

Nairobi Stock Exchange Golden Jubilee and ASEA Conference

Trade conference

3,000

28 Nov 2004

Official opening of the UN Convention on a Mine Free World

Governance

2,700

16 to 20 May 2005

Anniversary of African Travel Association (ATA)

Travel and tourism

1,800

24 May 2005

International Press Institute World Congress and 54th General Assembly opening ceremony

Media conference

27 to 30 June 2005

44th Session of the Africa-Asia Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO)

Governance conference

800

31 Oct to 4 Nov 2005

11th World Lake and Water Resources Conference

Natural resources conference

760

8 to 14 Nov 2005

5th Session of African Ministers of Culture

Cultural conference

540

7 to 12 May 2006

114th Conference on Inter-Parliamentary Union

Governance conference

3,000

13 to 16 Sept 2006

Youth Empowerment Summit 2006

Governance

5,050

17 to 26 Sept 2006

4th Africities Summit and CITE Expo

Governance

6,345

3 to 6 Oct 2006

Global Humanitarian Conference

Governance

544

17 to 19 Jan 2007

World Social Forum

Governance conference

28 to 30 June 2007

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Trade conference

1 to 11 July 2007

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)

Governance conference

1,500

13 to 18 Sept 2007

Commonwealth Law Conference

Governance conference

2,000

22 and 23 Nov 2007

Africa Industrialisation Day Conference

Governance conference

480

29 to 31 July 2009

2nd East African Investment Conference

Trade conference

1,996

4 to 6 Aug 2009

AGOA Forum

Trade conference

2,137

12 to 16 Sept 2009

All Africa Anaesthesiologists Conference

Health conference

918

28 and 29 Sept 2009

EU African Business Conference

Trade conference

300

21 to 23 Oct 2009

International Conference on Urban Health – ICUH

Health conference

700

22 and 23 Oct 2009

International Co-operative Alliance Conference

Governance conference

500

26 to 30 Oct 2009

7th Global Health Promotions Conference

Health conference

1,500

2 to 6 Nov 2009

MIM Pan African Malaria Conference

Health conference

1,200

7 to 12 Mar 2010

37th Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers – ICANN

Technology conference

2,000

8 and 9 Mar 2010

Inter Governmental Authority on Development Summit – Sudan Peace Process

Governance conference

800

38 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES

880

PREVIOUS EVENTS

DATES

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FROM 2004 TO JUNE 2010 CLASSIFICATION

INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES

7 to 10 Apr 2010

Africa-Middle East Microcredit Summit, AMFI

Trade conference

12 to 16 Apr 2010

1st International Conference for Ministers in Meteorology in Africa

Scientific conference

06 to 10 June 2010

29th IFBLS 2010 World Congress, International Federation of Biomedical Science

Health conference

2 to 4 June 2010

Green Business Africa Summit and Expo

Natural resources Conference

165

16 to 19 June 2010

4th NOPE International Conference on Peer Education, Sexuality, HIV and Aids

Health conference

800

2,000 950 1,500

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS 28 to 30 July 2009

Auto Parts East Africa

Vehicle parts trade fair

150

24 to 26 Sept 2009

Royal Thai Embassy Exhibition

Household products trade fair

219

11 to 13 Nov 2009

Kenya International Trade Expo 2009 (KITE 2009)

Electronics trade fair

180

5 to 7 Dec 2009

Turkish Builders Expo

Building materials trade fair

70

5 to 20 Dec 2009

Iran Exhibition

Electronics trade fair

45

22 to 26 Feb 2010

East African Banking and Technology Expo – AITEC

Technological conference

120

24 to 26 Mar 2010

International Horticultural Fair (Hortec 2010)

Horticultural products trade fair

180

10 to 15 June 2010

Arabian Expo: Kenya International Consumer Show

Consumer exhibition

60

10 to 20 June 2010

Arabian Expo: Kenya International Trade Expo 2009 (KITE 2010)

Electronics trade fair

128

Total: 51,017

mikutano 39

40 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

MAJOR PAST AND UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

TABLE OF SOME OF THE MAJOR PAST AND UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES CONFERENCES

DATES CONFERENCE NAME

DELEGATES

9 to 14 May 2011

7th Conference of African Ministers of Public Service

350

13 to 15 June 2011

Shelter Afrique Conference

250

15 to 17 June 2011

Afritech Summit 2011

400

18 to 21 June 2011

UNWTO Executive Council Meeting

250

3 to 6 Aug 2011

ICCA Chapter Forum

50

20 to 29 Aug 2011

AISEC International Congress 2011

800

9 to 14 Oct 2011

ISO/IECJTC Meeting

300

7 to 9 Nov 2011

Africa Congress of Accountants

800

4 to 9 Dec 2011

Legatum Conference

19 to 21 Apr 2012

Rotary District Conference

1,500

EXHIBITIONS

DATES

EXHIBITION NAME

DELEGATES

14 to 17 Apr 2011

Kenya Homes Expo (14th Homes Expo)

180

7 to 19 May 2011

Samsung Africa Innovation in Technology Exhibition

400

11 to 13 June 180

14th Kenya International Trade Exhibition (KITE Expo)

15 to 18 June 2011

KCB Safari Rally

22 to 25 June 2011

Turkel Fair - 3rd Turkish Trade Fair

150

28 and 29 June 2011

CISCO Conference and Exhibition

550

13 to 15 July 2011

Plast Pack

150

25 to 27 July 2011

Food Expo Africa

150

18 to 20 Aug 2011

Royal Thai Embassy

150

9 to 11 Sept 2011

Total Motor Show 2011

26 to 28 Nov 2011 180

15th Kenya International Trade Exhibition (KITE Expo)

1 to 5 Dec 2011

3rd Kenya Building Materials Exhibition

8 to 10 Feb 2012

Kenya International Machinery, Agriculture, Food and Packaging Exhibition (MAFPEX)

70 180 Total: 7,110

mikutano 41

USEFUL INFORMATION

Ancillary services and facilities at KICC Internet Wi-Fi A fibre optic network runs throughout the KICC building, connecting all the floors of the landmark tower and allowing high-speed digital access to information both inside and outside the building as well as to the internet. Conference hosts and delegates also benefit from butterfly internet – ideal for conferences and meetings.

Interpretation services KICC has simultaneous interpretation equipment capable of translating up to seven United Nations languages. This is particularly useful at international conferences where foreign clients are provided with headphones in order to comprehend each speaker.

Conference and exhibition equipment • Lectern microphone • Wireless microphone • Fixed seating • Overhead projector • Wide screen and closed-circuit TV • Head sets • Slide and video projectors • Video screen • In-house catering • Video camera • Flip charts • Internet access • ISDN line

42 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

KICC SERVICES

Meeting support services • Audio-video technicians • Security guards • Stenographers • Attendee registration • Messenger • Translators • Decoration service • Musicians • Tours and entertainment • Electricians • Photographers • First aid • Print shop • Hostesses and ushering

Business centre Located on the ground floor, the business centre at KICC provides the following services: • Documentation (printing, photocopy, lamination, binding, etc)

Forex bureau An authorised foreign exchange bureau is located on the ground floor of KICC for all foreign currency transactions.

Delegate registration To help each meeting and conference run as smoothly as possible, there is a registration area on the ground floor that can accommodate up to 20 counters. It has electricity and signage and can be partitioned to include a storage area if necessary.

Travel agency To assist both international and regional delegates with their flight and accommodation reservations, there is a travel agency within the KICC building.

Bookshop and gift store Legacy Bookshop, on the ground floor of KICC, has a wide selection of book titles and gifts.

Catering Two restaurants and a coffee shop serve the conference centre, namely, the Tin Tin Restaurant, serving Chinese and international cuisine, Conference Caterers and the Legacy Coffee Shop.

• Email and internet • International and local telephone calls • International courier services including DHL Worldwide Express Kenya Ltd, Fedex, Import Services and TNT Express Worldwide.

Banking Kenya Commercial Bank is on the ground floor.

In addition, KICC works in partnership with four- and five-star hotels and restaurants to provide conference catering on request.

Security The centre is guarded by the internationally acclaimed firm BM Security. There is a police station inside the centre to reinforce the security of delegates.

KICC prides itself on having the latest electronic security systems in each of the conference halls and meeting rooms, at the main entrance gates and in communal areas throughout the building.

The centre has space to set up a food court big enough to accommodate a range of caterers, giving them scope to serve menus ranging from snacks and coffee to formal lunches or dinners.

mikutano 43

USEFUL INFORMATION

Professional associations in Kenya

Architectural Society of Kenya The Professional Centre, 3rd Floor Parliament Road, PO Box 44258 GPO, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 224 806, 0721 691 337, 0733 330 647 Fax: +254 (0)20 220 582 Email: aak@wananchi.com www.aak-architects.or.ke

Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya ACEK Secretariat Tel: +254 (0)20 224 9085 Email: acek@mitsuminet.com

Association of Kenya Medical Laboratory Science (AKMLSO) Email: akmlso@yahoo.com

Association of Land Surveyors of Kenya Zachary M. Muritu, Chairman PO Box 62093 Tel: +254 (0)20 272 1171, 271 8050, 0722 743 425 Email: zmuritum@yahoo.com

Computer Society of Kenya No. 7 Menelik Court, Menelik Road P0 Box 70180, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 387 1822/36, 211 640 Fax: +254 (0)20 728 351 Email: csk@nbi.ispkenya.com Email: info@csk-online.org www.cskonline.org

Geological Society of Kenya PO Box 60199-00200, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 558 034, 0722 782 246 Email: geologicalsk@yahoo.com www.minesgeology.go.ke

Institute of CertiďŹ ed public Accountants (ICpAK) Caroline J Kigen (CEO) Tel: +254 (0)20 856 2011, 856 0930, 8562 768, 230 4226/7 Cell: 0727 531 006, 0733 856 262, 0721 4697 96 Fax: +254 (0)20 856 2206 Email: caroline.kigen@icpak.com Email: icpak@icpak.com www.icpak.com

44 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

ASSOCIATION LISTINGS

Institute of CertiďŹ ed public Secretaries (ICpSK)

Kenya Institute of Food Science & Technology

Kenya Society of physiotherapists

PO Box 46935, Nairobi

Sam Moturi, Chairman

Tel: +254 (0)20 219 183

Tel: +254 (0)20 224 487, 244 511, 216 572, 244 829 Fax: +254 (0)20 249 089

Kenya Institute of Food Science and Technology PO Box 72643, Nairobi

Email: parkphysio@yahoo.com www.ksphy.org

Tel: +254 (0)20 229 962, 0729 855 245 Fax: +254 (0)20 229 962

Kenya Veterinary Association

Email: sammoturiy@yahoo.co.uk

Dr. J. K. N. Kuria, CVA Councillor, Kenya

Kenya Institute of Management

Kenya Veterinary Association PO Box 29089-00625, Kangemi, Nairobi

Email: icpsk@wananchi.com www.icpsk.com

Institute of Clerk of Works of Kenya B. S. Bharij PO Box 47128-00200, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 251 940, 0720 309 996

Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya PO Box13929, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 387 5291 Fax: +254 (0)20 387 5291 Email: iqsknrb@iqsk.co.ke www.iqskenya.org

Insurance Institute of Kenya PO Box 1200-00200, Nairobi

Susan Murage, Manager, Membership Services The Kenya Institute of Management PO Box 43706-00100, Nairobi

PO Box 20768, Nairobi

Tel: +254 (0)20 713 537, 530 312, 0722 488 313 Fax: +254 (0)20 631 325, 534 585

Tel: +254 (0)20 356 9104, 236 1160, 236 1161 Fax: +254 (0)20 607 268

Email: jnkuria@yahoo.com

Email: msd@kim.ac.ke

PO Box 72219-00200 Nairobi

Kenya Institute of planners

Tel: +254 (0)20 386 5013/4/6/7, 387 4664, 0720 904 983

NSSF Building, Block A Eastern Wing, 10th Floor, PO Box 10682 00100 GPO Tel: +254 (0)20 2731 559, 0728 315 288 Fax: +254 (0)20 273 1559 Email: kip@wananchi.com

Law Society of Kenya

Dropping Zone: Revlon Plaza (No.149) Email: lsk@lsk.or.ke www.lsk.or.ke

National Nurses Association of Kenya PO Box 49422, Nairobi

Email: iik@wananchi.com

Kenya Institute of Supplies Management

Kenya Association of Radiologists

Williamson House, 1st Floor 4th Ngong Avenue, Nairobi

Email: nnak@nurseassociationke.org www.nursesassociationke.org

Kenya Association of Radiologists Aga Khan Hospital, Department of Radiology

Tel: +254 (0)20 273 3537, 273 3547, 0721 244 828, 0733 333 226 Fax: +254 (0)20 273 3550

pharmaceutical Society of Kenya

Tel: +254 (0)203740 000, 374 2531, Cell: +254 (0)722 892 826

Email: admin@kism.or.ke www.kism.or.ke

Kenya Dental Association

Kenya Medical Association

Tel: +254 (0)20 605 606

Dr. Sidhir Vinayak, Chairman

1st floor, The Professional Center Parliament Road, Central Business District PO Box 20059-00200 Nairobi

Junction of Chyulu/Mara Roads, Opp. Visa Place in Upper Hill PO Box 48502-00100 GPO, Nairobi

Tel: +254 (0)20 312 965, 0710 856 304 Fax: +254 (0)20 444 0607

Tel: +254 (0)20 271 499, 0722 275 695 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 7170

Email: info@kda.or.ke www.kda.or.ke

Email: nec@kma.co.ke Email: ict@kma.co.ke www.kma.co.ke

Kenya Institute of Bankers Lyric House, 6th Floor, PO Box 73530, Nairobi

Kenya Society of Anaestheologists (KSA)

Tel: +254 (0)20 318 301, 313 070, 313 081 Fax: +254 (0)20 316 350

Flat B1, Elgon Court, Off Ralph Bunche Rd PO Box 187-00202 KNH, Nairobi

Email: thebanker@kib.co.ke www.kib.co.ke

Tel: +254 (0)20 260 7466 Fax: +254 (0)20 273 1261 Cell: 0716 303 868, 0733 747 299

Tel: +254 (0)20 272 8933/2 Fax: +254 (0)20 341 883

Hurlingham, Woodlands Road P0 Box 44290-00100 GPO, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 273 8364, 273 8318 Cell: 0728 17 264, 0723 310 942 Email: pskkenya@yahoo.com www.pskonline.org

Society of Radiography in Kenya Room 407, 4th floor, Galexon House Kenyatta Market PO Box 30401-00100, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 272 0607 Fax: +254 (0)20 272 0607 www.radiography.or.ke

www.anaesthesiakenya.co.ke

mikutano 45

USEFUL INFORMATION

KICC facilities K

ICC has the experience and facilities to hold an impressive range of events, large and small, ranging from the outstanding Tsavo Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 4,000 delegates, to small rooms ideal for meetings and private seminars.

TECHINCAL DATA

Rooms have a modern and versatile design with halla spread, portable SIE and simultaneous translation equipment. All rooms and conference halls are air conditioned, spacious and clean.

Apart from the Amphitheatre and Shimba Hills Hall, which have fixed-plan seating, all other rooms are flexible in terms of seating arrangements.

Meeting rooms and the Aberdare and Lenana Halls are located on the ground floor. The Tsavo Ballroom is on the first floor.

SHIMBA HILLS HALL

46 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011

KICC Facilities

AMPHITHEATRE

TSAVO

mikutano 47

USEFUL INFORMATION

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM

LAWNS MARQUEE

48 mikutano // issue 19 // July 2011 - December 2011