Get to know the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
The Kenyatta
International Conference Centre is a 28-story building located in Nairobi,
Should I say “Kenyatta
International Conference Centre, A masterpiece of inspiration and heritage of
Kenyans”? Of course yes it is the only building that says you know Kenya.
The Kenyatta
International Convention Centre is a renowned centre for meetings, congresses,
conferences and exhibitions that are taking place in Nairobi (and even in
Kenya). It is located in the Central Business District, the city's most popular
area.
It is the largest in
East Africa and one of the most recognized in the entire continent. That’s why
it welcomes personalities from all over the world at events with great global
influence.
A VERY MODERN CENTRE
The KICC has very
modern facilities and is adapted for visitors of any nationality — has
simultaneous interpretation equipment in multiple languages. It also has very
large areas which can accommodate thousands of people.
This centre was
designed to represent several tourist attractions of the city and the country.
It is therefore seen as a strong tourism booster and an important reference in
Nairobi.
It is the Iconic
symbol of Kenya. No picture says u know Kenya if it does not have KICC in the
background.
It is the only
building within the city with an helipad that is accessible to public. Any
visitor to the City of Nairobi should set their bearings from here.
The Kenyatta
International Conference Centre fondly referred to as the KICC was constructed
in the late 1960s and opened its door to the most prestigious global conference
of the time to ever come to African soil, the IMF/World bank conference in
September 1973.
Of the buildings
built that time, the KICC is the most eco-friendly and most environment
conscious structure; its main frame is constructed with locally available
materials Gravel, sand, cement and wood, it has wide open spaces which allows
for natural aeration and natural lighting.
The tower is built
around a concrete core and it has no walls but glass windows which allow for
maximum natural lighting.
It has the largest
halls in eastern and central Africa. KICC is the most sentimental building to
all Kenyans, most of whose interaction with the city started with this building
at their young age i.e. during national schools music festivals!!!
The skyscraper’s
rooftop provides a 360-degree picturesque panoramic view of the city centre and
its horizons. It is usually open seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fees
are as follows;
Non-Residents Ksh.
500.00
Non-resident Children Ksh. 200.00
Residents Ksh.300.00
Resident Children Ksh. 100.00
International Students Ksh. 300.00
East African Adults/ Kenyan Citizen Adults Ksh. 200.00
East African/Kenyan Citizen Secondary School children Ksh. 100.00
East African Children/Kenyan children of Primary School and below Ksh. 50.00
Video shoot Ksh. 15,000.00
Photoshoot Ksh. 7,500.00
Note: Remember to carry your national ID or
passport.
And you will be led
to a special elevator up to the rooftop, which houses a helipad and viewing
deck. Since Nairobi is generally a low-rise city, you'll get a pretty
unobstructed view across the different sections of the city.
I was happy to have
a very nice guide who welcomed me and provided a detailed explanation of
different places you can see from the rooftop and their significance, as well
as some general history.
(No extra cost to
you and helpful since there is no signage). Nairobi is not the prettiest city
from the ground, but from the sky, the railway museum, Parliament building,
central park and downtown area actually make for a picturesque backdrop.
I was actually the only one up there for a while. The convention center itself is a very outdated concrete building and sorely in need of a make-over.