Delays at Bomas of Kenya are likely to push the upcoming France–Africa Summit, scheduled for May, to Kenyatta International Convention Centre as a fallback venue, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The potential switch echoes earlier concerns raised by Members of Parliament over whether the KSh 42 billion convention complex at Bomas would be ready in time. Submissions to the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife indicate that only 35% of the upgrade works have been completed so far.
Lawmakers also revealed that a French delegation had already toured KICC as a possible alternative, fuelling speculation that organisers are quietly preparing a contingency plan.
Progress has been further hindered by labour unrest at the construction site. Workers staged a strike over delayed wages and poor working conditions, disrupting activity at a crucial phase of the project. The situation escalated on 16 March when a protest following the death of a worker brought traffic along Lang’ata Road to a halt. Labourers claimed the incident was not isolated, citing multiple fatalities and frequent injuries linked to inadequate safety measures.
The matter has since attracted political scrutiny. Kanar Seki, Senator for Kajiado, formally petitioned the Senate to investigate labour conditions at the site. He called on the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to examine compliance with occupational safety standards, review employment terms, and disclose all reported workplace incidents since construction began.
Despite more than 2,000 workers being deployed in shifts, the temporary stoppage has added further strain to an already tight construction schedule.
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Once complete, the Bomas International Convention Complex is expected to rank among Africa’s largest conference facilities, spanning 12 acres and accommodating around 11,000 delegates, including a 5,000-seat convention hall, a 3,500-seat auditorium, and a dedicated presidential lounge.
For now, however, KICC stands out as the most viable backup. With established infrastructure, security readiness, and a proven track record in hosting high-level international events, it offers organisers a reliable alternative should the Bomas project miss its deadline.
The France–Africa Summit itself is being positioned as a key diplomatic and economic forum aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Paris and African nations. Notably, it will mark the first time the summit is hosted in an Anglophone country.
