KICC | The Kenyatta International Convention Centre

KICC | The Kenyatta International Convention Centre


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.

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