Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on Tuesday led a full day of stakeholder engagement activities in Mombasa County, focused on advancing Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, widely regarded as a cornerstone of both tourism development and national economic growth.
In a high-level consultative forum convened at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Miano brought together senior representatives from both public institutions and private sector players operating within the coastal region’s MICE value chain.
The discussions, which spanned multiple sessions throughout the day, centered on aligning national strategies with global trends and intensifying stakeholder collaboration to elevate Kenya’s stature as a preferred destination for business events.
CS Miano reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks that support the country’s MICE ecosystem. She confirmed that the re-establishment of the Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB) is now at an advanced stage.
“We are at an advanced stage in re-establishing the Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB) to realign our MICE activities going forward,” she stated.
“From the great ideas and input of the sector players today, we shall fast-track this with speed to ensure this central body drives Kenya’s business events strategy, fosters stakeholder collaboration, and attracts high-impact international meetings and congresses.”
Once operational, the Bureau will serve as a central body tasked with coordinating the country’s MICE agenda, attracting major global conferences, and enhancing inter-agency and industry-level cooperation.
Speaking to participants during the forum, Miano described the MICE sector as a strategic engine for tourism diversification and foreign exchange earnings.
“The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is undeniably a major driver of tourism growth and economic development in leading global destinations,” she said.
She noted that Kenya’s growing profile as a host for global summits, forums, and exhibitions now necessitates a more structured and resource-backed approach to attract high-impact international events.
In her address, the Cabinet Secretary also outlined a number of government-backed programmes and initiatives designed to foster private sector expansion, with particular emphasis on enabling environments for tourism-linked businesses.
She called on MICE-sector investors and event planners to embrace innovation, modern service models, and the energy of young creatives to meet the evolving expectations of global event participants.
“I encouraged the sector to utilize the innovativeness and creativity within our youth to keep with the global trends as spearheaded by H.E President William Ruto,” Miano remarked, pointing to the role of youth in driving future-facing tourism solutions.
Citing President William Ruto’s vision of a dynamic, private-led economy, Miano encouraged sector actors to position youth talents at the forefront of event design, hospitality technology, and experience branding.
This, she argued, would not only differentiate Kenya’s offering in an increasingly competitive international landscape, but also unlock opportunities for employment and skills transfer.
Miano also acknowledged the strong commitment demonstrated by coastal stakeholders, commending their proactive role in proposing ideas and championing regional collaboration.
“We remain committed to foster stronger collaborations between the public and private sector stakeholders in strengthening the MICE industry, critical to the tourism sector and our overall economy,” she said.
She emphasized that the government values their input and is prepared to act swiftly on viable recommendations that can fast-track progress.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by representatives from Kenya Tourism Board (Magical Kenya), Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT), Kenya Airways, and senior officials from Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), among others.
Tuesday’s engagements mark a renewed push by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to integrate MICE sector development into the broader national tourism strategy, especially as Kenya prepares to host a series of international forums and trade expos over the coming year.
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