Govt Appoints James Mbugua Mwaura As New KICC CEO

The government has appointed James Mbugua Mwaura as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

This was announced by the Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua through a Gazette Notice dated Monday, March 25.

Mwaura will serve in the new role at KICC for three years, effective Tuesday, March 26.

Newly-appointed KICC CEO, James Mbugua Mwaura. /STANDARD DIGITAL

"In exercise of the powers conferred under section 48 (1) of the Tourism Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife appoints- James Mbugia Mwaura to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, for three (3) years, with effect from the 26th March 2024," the notice read in part.

Mwaura's primary responsibility will be to lead efforts in boosting Kenya's conference tourism sector and establishing the country as a preferred global destination for meetings.

He will also be tasked with spearheading Kenya’s conference tourism and positioning the destination globally as a preferred meeting destination of choice.

"His extensive knowledge of Conference Tourism also known as Meetings, Incentives Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) matters will enable him to lead the corporation in enhancing its competitiveness,” the statement added.

Mwaura now replaces Nana Wanjiku Gecaga who concluded her seven-year tenure as CEO of KICC in 2022.

The niece of former President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed her heartfelt appreciation to her superiors for their integral role in her accomplishments during her leadership at the organization.

“In life, everything happens for a reason and a season. One of my seasons has come to an end while my next season is just starting. December 29, 2022, I ended my 7 years of duty as KICC CEO and 14 years in government and successfully served three presidents of Kenya and 26 years altogether in the hospitality industry.

“I want to thank my CS Madam Peninah Malonza. I wish to thank my PS Ummi Bashir, my Chair, my entire board and of course the entire staff at KICC,” Gecaga wrote, further sending her warm wishes to her successor.

Mwaura will take over from Patricia Ondeng who has been the acting CEO of KICC since January 2023.

CS Mutua on Thursday, February 8 disclosed that KICC made an astounding Ksh1.07 billion in revenue between July and December 2023 amidst plans to privatise the national monument.

He remarked that the revenue generated was significant and surpassed expectations given that KICC had set an ambitious target of Ksh545 million for the same period.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua during a meeting with KICC board members on February 8, 2024. /ALFRED MUTUA