Uasin Gishu County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) to help establish and develop Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in the County.
The partnership is the formulation of a framework for the establishment of a business and convention centre to market the development of MICE tourism in the region.
Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii said the county and the North Rift region have enormous potential for Meetings, Incentives travel Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) that abound within the North Rift Economic Block (NOREB).
The County stands to gain from MICE considering its potential to become a major sports tourism hub, said the governor.
“This partnership will open more MICE opportunities for the county and stimulate economic growth in the region with the KICC’s expertise and resources, and be of mutual benefit to Uasin Gishu and the people of Kenya,” he stated.
KICC chief executive officer, James Mwaura, said the agreement aims to attract national and international events especially sports tourism conventions, creating job opportunities, stimulating local businesses, and boosting the region’s visibility.
He noted that professional conference organisers preferred taking conferences where there is practical experience hence the opportunity for the county and KICC to bid for sports tourism events.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward for the county’s economic growth, as it leverages on KICC’s expertise to position Uasin Gishu as a prime destination for business tourism through enhanced MICE infrastructure,” he added.
The County Executive for Trade, Cooperatives, and Tourism, Martha Cheruto, noted that the MOU would profile Uasin Gishu County locally and internationally on matters of MICE tourism and other tourism-associated aspects.
The agreement comes as the County is developing the County Museum as part of its efforts to increase revenue collection and attract more visitors.
By Kiptanui Cherono
