The government of Kenya has appointed PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC) as transaction advisor for the Bomas International Convention and Exhibition Centre (BICEC) PPP project.

The new facilities will include a conference centre with a capacity of hosting 10,000 delegates, 15,000 exhibition space, five hotels ranging with a total capacity of 2,000 beds, presidential pavilions, VIP pavilions, fully furnished apartments, coffee shops and business centres among others.

According Ministry of East African affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Phyllis Kandie, the total investment will be determined after the completion of feasibility study and master plan, during the first half of 2015.

Construction works are scheduled to start in 2015. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2016.

The project will upgrade and develop the existing Bomas of Kenya meeting the International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC) standards. The BICEC will be strategically placed at 11 kilometres from the Nairobi city centre.

Bomas of Kenya General Manager Quresh Ahmed stated:

Work on the mega project will kick off early next year with the roll-out of the feasibility studies and development of the master-plan. Completion of the two major activities will determine the entire cost of the project and give direction on the date of the start of the actual construction works.

Kenya is using South Africa's Cape Town International Convention Centre and London's World Travel Market Centre as benchmarks of this project, which aims to attract business travellers.