The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage has strongly refuted claims that Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a Turkish national.
The allegations, made by former Deputy President, have been dismissed as false and misleading.
In a statement, the department clarified that Bomas of Kenya remains a government-owned institution and has not been transferred to any individual or entity.
The facility was placed under the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage through Executive Order No. 2 of 2023.
The government further explained that the ongoing plans to develop the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) were approved by the Cabinet on August 8, 2023.
“The development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) was approved by Cabinet on 8th August 2023, after a Cabinet Memorandum presented by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Hon Perninah Malonza, EGH,” reads the statement by Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir.
The proposal was initially presented by then Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary, Perninah Malonza.
Officials emphasized that discussions on upgrading and refurbishing Bomas of Kenya have been ongoing for the past decade, but it is the current administration that has taken concrete steps to implement the project.
Bashir Bomas of Kenya, which has held a valid title deed since 1971, remains under government ownership, with the document securely in the state’s custody.
The government envisions the new BICC as a world-class conferencing facility that will elevate Kenya’s position as a regional leader in hosting international events. The planned development aims to modernize the infrastructure, providing multiple venues for high-level conferences and meetings.
The State Department reassured the public that the ownership of Bomas of Kenya remains unchanged and that the facility will continue to be managed in trust for the people of Kenya.
