Kenya Insights

Tag: Bomas of Kenya

  • Cultural Heritage and Rare Species at Risk as Sh31.6b Bomas Complex Advances

    Cultural Heritage and Rare Species at Risk as Sh31.6b Bomas Complex Advances

    A Sh31.6 billion redevelopment project at the Bomas of Kenya, a cultural landmark established in 1971 to preserve the country’s diverse heritage, is sparking outrage among conservationists, former employees, and cultural advocates.

    The ambitious project, which includes a 3,000-seat auditorium, a 4.2-meter traditional huts replica, and a 20-member staff self-contained facility, threatens 80 acres of pristine land harboring rare bird species, indigenous trees, and popular picnic sites.

    The late Barack Obama Sr., father of the 44th U.S. President Barack Obama, once described the Bomas as a sanctuary for Kenya’s traditions, warning that its destruction would be a blow to the nation’s cultural identity.

    Yet, the ongoing demolitions, which began after a tender award by the Ministry of Defence in November 2022, have already razed key structures, including the VIP auditorium built in 2008.

    The Turkish firm Summa Turizm Yatirimciligi Anonim Sirketi is spearheading the redevelopment, which includes a 5-star hotel, conference facilities, and luxury amenities, aiming to modernize the site into a global events destination.

    Bomas of Kenya demolition for renovations on April 16, 2025.
    Bomas of Kenya demolition for renovations on April 16, 2025.

    Conservationists are alarmed by the environmental toll. The 80-acre site is home to rare birds like the Hunter’s Cisticola and supports indigenous trees vital for biodiversity.

    Former employees lament the loss of picnic sites and cultural trails that once drew tourists and locals alike.

    “It hurts so much that we are about to lose our heritage due to this ill-timed decision made by a few individuals whose sole interest is to benefit at all cost,” said a former employee, reflecting the sentiments of many.

    The project has also faced legal challenges. In March 2024, the High Court ruled the tender process unlawful, citing procedural irregularities.

    However, the government appealed, and construction resumed, leaving critics like Fred Ochoti, a former Bomas employee, frustrated.

    “The project aims at redefining the Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events,” Ochoti noted, but he questioned the cost to Kenya’s heritage.

    The Bomas of Kenya was founded by the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation to preserve cultural artifacts and traditions, hosting events like the 1975 International Convention to erase Kenya’s cultural heritage stigma.

    Now, with bulldozers tearing through history, many fear the site’s legacy is being overshadowed by commercial interests.

    As the debate rages on, the future of this cultural gem hangs in the balance, caught between modernization and the preservation of Kenya’s rich heritage.

  • Turkish Firm Summa Wins Sh31.6B Bomas Renovation Tender

    Turkish Firm Summa Wins Sh31.6B Bomas Renovation Tender

    Turkish construction firm Summa Turizm Yatirimciligi Anonim Sirketi has finally received the green light to proceed with the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex in Nairobi, after months of legal wrangling and uncertainty.

    This follows the Court of Appeal’s dismissal on Friday of the Ministry of Defence’s last-ditch attempt to cancel the Sh31.6 billion tender, ruling that the appeal was filed too late to be legally admissible.

    “The learned Judge was right that the appellants—the Ministry of Defence—acted too late, and the decision to strike it out is sound in law and cannot be faulted,” stated the three-judge bench comprising Justices Gatembu Kairu, Fred Ochieng, and Aggrey Muchelule.

    The Bomas International Convention Complex, approved by Cabinet on August 8, 2023, is envisioned as a world-class facility.

    The proposed design includes a high-capacity conference centre, a presidential pavilion, and at least five luxury hotels to support large-scale international events, summits, and state functions. The goal is to elevate Nairobi’s position as a premier destination for international conferences.

    Summa Turizm was awarded the tender through Direct Tender No. DHQINFRAS/004/23-24 in November 2023. Months later, despite notifying the Ministry that it had secured up to 80 percent of the required project financing, the State moved to terminate the tender on October 16, 2024—329 days after the award and without ever signing a formal contract.

    The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) stepped in on December 23, 2024, ordering the Ministry to conclude the tender within 90 days.

    The Board said the Ministry had failed to prove lack of funds or legitimate justification for the cancellation, noting instead that “the general conduct of the ministry spoke of a deliberate attempt to frustrate the conclusion of the tender.”

    The Ministry’s attempt to reverse the Board’s decision through the High Court was dismissed by Justice John Chigiti, who ruled the application was filed eight days late, beyond the 14-day legal window.

    In its final argument, the Ministry claimed the delay was caused by the Christmas court recess. However, the Court of Appeal rejected this, stressing that timelines under procurement law are “cast in stone” to ensure integrity and efficiency in public projects.

    “Order 50 Rule 4 is subordinate legislation and cannot override express statutory provisions,” the court held.

    The court’s decision ends the protracted dispute, allowing construction to begin and strengthening Kenya’s ambitions to become a leading destination for international conferences and summits.

  • Morara Kebaso’s Life Is In Danger; Family Asks State To Beef Up His Security

    Morara Kebaso’s Life Is In Danger; Family Asks State To Beef Up His Security

    The family of activist David Morara Kebaso has condemned the attack on their kin during a public participation exercise on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Bomas of Kenya last Friday.

    Speaking to the press on Sunday evening, family spokesperson Tom Moindi said they were appalled by the way the political activist was manhandled by goons while political leaders, including Members of Parliament, watched.

    Mr Moindi also called on the government to urgently investigate the incident and arrest those caught on camera throwing chairs at Mr Morara.

    “The government must bring to account everyone who was recorded doing the heinous act at the Bomas of Kenya. Morara’s life is in danger. He was seriously injured and has been receiving treatment since the attack,” he said.

    To safeguard their loved one, the family asked the State to provide police security to Morara who won the admiration of many Kenyans, and to the chagrin of the government, with his exposés on wastage of taxpayer’s money on stalled or abandoned projects.

    The family’s sentiments were echoed by Mr Patrick Mwongera, an official in Morara’s office, who said that immediately after taking Morara to hospital, they moved him to a safe house.

    This, he said, was to protect the activist, whose approach to accountability had apparently rubbed some people in power the wrong way.

    “We are not going to take any chances! Morara’s life is in danger. We are being targeted by some people who do not want to hear what we stand for. We have received a video of a man holding a gun in a Subaru vehicle who is threatening to trace Morara and finish him off!” he said.

    Mr Morara, visibly in pain, appeared with his family at the press briefing but did not address journalists.

    Mr Mwongera said that they had not reported Morara’s attack to the police because the “same police officers were used to arrest our leader and came up with unsubstantiated charges against him last week”.

    The Morara team said they suspected that the plan to attack the activist must have been premeditated because he was even denied entry to the Bomas and had to use another door other than the main entrance to access the venue.

    “Things would have gone awry very easily. We had just arrived much to the joy of hundreds of Kenyans who even came to greet Morara. Suddenly, some goons started throwing chairs at Morara who was just sitting waiting for his turn to speak,” Mr Mwongera said.

    The action was captured on camera, with footage showing seats being thrown at the activist, who had to be led away by some of his aides who surrounded him.

    By Sunday evening, the public had managed to identify a woman suspected of instigating the melee at Bomas.

    She is said to be a resident of Mlango Kubwa area in Mathare and was the first to throw the chair at Mr Morara before many others followed suit, causing chaos at the venue.

    Although the Morara team has established her identity, they have been told to report to any police station as their leader could be re-arrested and charged with spurious offences as happened last week.

    “This case is even more serious because we have no idea of who we are dealing with. Kenyans do not know that Morara was denied access to the emergency exit door when he attempted to run away from his attackers at Bomas. He remained stranded and it is at this point that he sustained even more injuries,” Mr Mwongera said.

    Contacted if any arrests had been made following the drama at Bomas and whether the woman, whose identity has been made public, is a person of interest to the police, Nairobi Regional Boss Adamson Bungei is yet to respond.

    Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is among Kenyan leaders who have called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the instigators of last Friday’s violence in Bomas.

    “Dear Kenyans, I unequivocally condemn the violence directed towards political activist and youthful government critic, Morara Kebaso. Such acts of aggression have no place in a democratic society that upholds the principles of free speech, open dialogue and peaceful assembly,” he said.

    Mr Mwongera also called on the government to provide Morara with additional security.

    “The government should appreciate such a person who is helping them to know how huge amounts of money are being stolen by people within the government. We ask that Morara’s security be beefed up,” he said.