President William Ruto revealed on Tuesday, March 11, that the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex in Bomas of Kenya is set to begin in two weeks, even as public scrutiny on the national heritage site mounts.
As per a Cabinet dispatch, Ruto announced that the project was aimed at improving the building to a world-class standard.
“The President announced that construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex will begin in two weeks, marking a major milestone in the government’s plan to transform the facility into a world-class conferencing hub,” the dispatch stated.
“The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events,” it further added.
The new development comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua exposed that Bomas of Kenya was being sold to a Turkish national, a claim the government denied.
On Sunday, March 9, Gachagua sensationally claimed the alleged sale of the historic Bomas had been approved by the Cabinet.
Gachagua, who made explosive allegations against the government at the ACK Holy Trinity Church in Kitengela, Kajiado County, claimed that despite the Cabinet's alleged approval of the deal, he was the only one who opposed the move.
The former Deputy President further claimed that Ruto and the Cabinet had ignored concerns raised by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which allegedly warned that revamping Bomas of Kenya would pose a risk as it was located within a critical flight path.
According to Gachagua, the alleged Turkish businessman was a close ally of a senior government official.
However, in a rejoinder statement on Monday, March 10, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture and Arts, Ummi Bashir, refuted the claims, stating that the famous national heritage site had not been sold to anyone.
Gachagua’s comments came after questions emerged on the ongoing works at Bomas, with many alleging that the transformation of Bomas was being done at the hands of a foreign investor.
Debunking those claims, Bashir stated that the upgrades on the facility began as far back as 2023 after approval by the Cabinet.
"The idea of refurbishing and upgrading Bomas of Kenya is not new and has been under consideration for the past 10 years. Nevertheless, it is the current administration that has given impetus to its actualization. The Bomas of Kenya has a valid title in its name, issued in 1971," Bashir added in his statement.
