Kenyatta International Convention Centre

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), formerly the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, is a 32-story building located in Nairobi, Kenya. The KICC is located in the City Square of Nairobi, and is a crucial address for a number of Government offices, including those of recently elected Senators.[7] It is an internationally renowned venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and special events within walking distance of several five star hotels. During its four-and-a-half-decade history it has been the host of several international conferences, seminars, exhibitions and summits.

Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Kenyatta International Conference Centre, 2006
Record height
Preceded byHilton Nairobi
Surpassed byTeleposta Towers
General information
TypeCommercial
LocationNairobi, Kenya
Coordinates1°17′19″S 36°49′23″E
Completed1974
Height
Roof105 m (344 ft)
Top floor28
Technical details
Floor count32[1]
Floor area225,000 sq metres[2]
Lifts/elevators5[3]
Design and construction
Architect(s)Karl Henrik Nøstvik[4][5][6]
Kenyatta International Conference Centre, 1975.

The KICC is ranked as one of the top places to hold conferences on the continent.[8] After completion, the building held the rank of the tallest building in Nairobi up until the construction of Teleposta Towers. The building has since then ceded its position as the tallest tower to a host of other newer projects including the UAP Old Mutual Tower, Times Tower and the Britam Tower, which is the tallest building in Nairobi as of 2020.[9]

History

The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, locally known as the "KICC", was commissioned by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of the Republic of Kenya, in 1967. It was designed by Karl Henrik Nøstvik architect with David Mutiso.[10][11] The construction was carried out by contractors Solel Boneh & Factah. This was done in three phases. Phase I was the construction of the podium, Phase II consisted of the main tower and Phase III involved the Plenary.[12] Construction was completed in 1973, with the opening ceremony occurring in September 1973 presided over by President Kenyatta. The KICC was then made a State Corporation established under the Tourism Act in 2011, which came into operation on 1 September 2012. Whereas the centre is known as a leading meeting venue in Nairobi, its national mandate following the Act became to nurture and promote the country as a destination most preferred for business travel and MICE tourism. M.I.C.E has been recognized as one of the four key products to be developed under the Kenya Vision 2030.[13]

In September 2013, as the complex celebrated its 40th anniversary, it was renamed to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.[14]

Structure

General

The KICC currently stands as the ninth tallest building in Kenya, reaching a height of just over 105 metres.[15] It succeeded the Hilton Nairobi as the tallest building in Kenya, a position it held for 26 years before being surpassed by Teleposta Tower. The tower consists of 32 floors, including a revolving restaurant which offers panoramic views of the city, rotating 360° in 76 minutes.[16] The building's light terracotta façade reflects traditional African architecture, as does the use of simple solid shapes- cuboids make up the Plenary hall, the tower consists of a cylinder composed of several cuboids and the amphitheatre and helipad both resemble cones.[17]

There are several well-equipped conference and meeting rooms with the largest having a capacity over 6,000 delegates. The KICC is equipped with Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment with a capability of up to seven languages, a modern business centre, a banking facility, tour and travel services, expansive grounds and ample and secure parking. It is often depicted as an icon of Nairobi.

Up until the 1980s, there was a 'revolving restaurant' atop the KICC that was popular with politicians and the elite, but years of neglect literally brought it to a halt, though concerted efforts in 2012 to revive it were somewhat short lived. The 148-seater restaurant has a revolving mortar programmed to make approximately one revolution in 76 minutes.[18]

The Amphitheatre

At the amphitheatre "heritage and modernity meet". It is designed for medium-sized convening, 800 sittings on three balconies surrounding the auditorium, brings to life and control any serious business meeting. It is equipped with SIE Booths, full logic recording facilities, state of the art public address system and sound proofing.

Tsavo Ballroom

The largest conference chamber of its kind in East Africa, the plenary is fortified with sound proof grey stone, deep natural wood and lofty ceilings. It caters for large international meetings, exhibitions and grand balls, and has a capacity of 5000 people. It is equipped with Advanced Sound Amplification & recording systems, Wireless Simultaneous interpretation Equipment (up to 7 languages) booths, and observer galleries. Its high ceilings were made for elaborate décor, hosting banners and other promotional materials.

Courtyard
The statue of Kenyatta (1971) by James Butler at the KICC

This is a paved 75 square meter courtyard surrounding the 1971 statue of Kenyatta by James Butler. The courtyard was designed as a respite for those attending conferences and includes gardens, pools and geyser fountains. Numerous flag poles and balconies in the courtyard are fashioned to host promotional identities.

COMESA Grounds

The COMESA grounds consist of expansive grounds overlooking the Kenyan parliament. In 1999, the largest ever exhibition to be held in Kenya, bringing together exhibiters from all COMESA countries, was held at the KICC. Among the attendees were nine heads of state, having come for the Heads of State Summit. The Ground can be used to hold large exhibitions or park up to 1000 cars.

See also
Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, by Karl Henrik Nøstvik architect, entrance
Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, by Karl Henrik Nøstvik architect, grand stairway

References
  1. "Kenyatta International Conference Centre". Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  2. KICC Floor Area (m) Archived 14 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine, 8 April 2013.
  3. Kenyatta International Convention Centre Stats, 7 April 2013.
  4. "Kenyatta International Conference Center". Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Kenyatta Conference Center (Nairobi, 1974) | Structurae".
  7. "50 senators told to vacate KICC offices over forums". Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  8. "Top 10 Convention Centers In Africa - How Africa". 19 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  9. Otieno, Bonface (22 July 2018). "Tallest building in East Africa ready for letting". Business Daily Africa. Nairobi. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  10. Herz, Manuel (2 May 2017). "African Modernism: Nation Building". Architectural Review. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  11. "Nordic Architecture in Africa - Pavilion at Venice Architecure Biennale". ArchiPanic. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  12. KICC Construction, 7 April 2013.
  13. "Our History | KICC". kicc.co.ke. Archived from the original on 7 March 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  14. Team, KTN Home Video. "Standard Digital News - KICC building marks 40 years since it was built in 1973". KTN Home. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  15. Kenyatta International Conference Centre Stats, 7 April 2013.
  16. KICC Specs, 7 April 2013.
  17. KICC Façade, 7 April 2013.
  18. "Historical KICC hotel back to life". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
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