Ruto unveils plans for shopping mall, hotels and arena at Bomas complex

President William Ruto during an inspection tour of construction works at the Bomas International Convention Complex in Nairobi on June 25, 2026. (Photo: PCS)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Thursday, June 25, 2026

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The President noted that the convention centre project is nearing completion and revealed that the next phase of development will include the construction of a hotel within the complex, followed by three additional hotels.

President William Ruto has announced plans to construct a shopping mall, hotels and a modern arena at the Bomas International Convention Complex as part of an ambitious expansion project aimed at transforming the facility into a world-class conferencing, tourism and entertainment hub.

Speaking on Thursday during an inspection tour of construction works at the Bomas International Convention Complex in Nairobi, the President said the project would create jobs for hundreds of workers while enhancing Kenya's capacity to host major regional and international events.

Ruto praised workers at the site and assured them of continued employment opportunities as the development progresses through its various phases.

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“I saw most of you at the Talanta construction site. I told you when you are done, you will come to Bomas,” he said.

The President noted that the convention centre project is nearing completion and revealed that the next phase of development will include the construction of a hotel within the complex, followed by three additional hotels.

President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious development plan for the proposed Bomas International Convention Complex, which will include three hotels, a shopping mall and a modern arena.

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While addressing workers during an inspection tour of the complex, Ruto criticised… pic.twitter.com/bKpQvmQknm

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 25, 2026

He also disclosed plans for a large shopping mall and a state-of-the-art arena, saying the developments would further boost the facility's appeal as a premier destination for conferences, exhibitions and entertainment events.

“When you are done constructing the Bomas Conference, there are three hotels to be constructed. You still have a lot of work to do. When you are done with Bomas, there is a hotel and a mall. We want to construct a huge mall here, and after that, we will construct an arena as well,” Ruto said.

The President further revealed that the government's long-term infrastructure plans include the construction of an airport after completion of the Bomas developments.

Ruto said the redevelopment of Bomas had been delayed for decades despite repeated plans by successive administrations, adding that the current government was determined to deliver the project.

Upon completion, the expanded complex is expected to strengthen Nairobi's position as a leading conferencing and events destination in East and Central Africa, while supporting the government's target of attracting more than five million tourists and generating over Sh1 trillion from the tourism sector by 2028.