Like Dubai? Details Of KICC's Upcoming Ksh100M Dancing Fountains

This mesmerizing water and light show, choreographed to Kenyan cultural music, aims to turn KICC into a vibrant attraction, elevating both its historic significance and Nairobi’s international appeal.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Mar 14, 2025 - 16:32
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Like Dubai? Details Of KICC's Upcoming Ksh100M Dancing Fountains
The dancing fountain at KICC is almost completed as of March 14, 2025, inspired by the Dubai fountain. /SCREENGRAB.KBC.CITIZEN DIGITAL

The iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi is set to unveil a groundbreaking addition to the tourism and entertainment scene that the Kenyan capital city is famous for: Africa’s first Dancing Fountains.

This mesmerizing water and light show, choreographed to Kenyan cultural music, aims to turn KICC into a vibrant attraction, elevating both its historic significance and Nairobi’s international appeal.

Drawing inspiration from Dubai’s renowned water displays outside the iconic Dubai Mall, the spectacle is set to captivate audiences.

Since its inauguration on September 11, 1973, KICC has stood as a symbol of Kenya’s heritage, continuously adapting to uphold its reputation as a leading hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

The dancing fountain at KICC is almost completed as of March 14, 2025. /SCREENGRAB.KBC

With a budget of Ksh 100 million, the project aims to enrich the visitor experience by blending water, light, and music into a stunning spectacle.

"This is one of a kind in the African continent, usually seen in Dubai. We have similar ones at the Burj Khalifa, and that is what we are bringing here in Kenya at the KICC," explained Geoffrey Thande, KICC's Director of Business Development.

"The reason we are doing this is that we are in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) business. So when delegates come here for meetings, what else can they do? What else can they enjoy in our Kenyan market? We feel that, apart from the national parks, they can also enjoy this."

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time KICC has had dancing fountains. In 1973, a similar fountain was installed, primarily designed to spray water into the air. Now, KICC is modernizing its original fountains, bringing them up to world-class standards.

Features of the New KICC Dancing Fountain

Unlike the 1973 version, the upgraded fountains will incorporate music and synchronized movements, controlled by robotics, computers, and artificial intelligence. They will create intricate water patterns while projecting vibrant colored lights, allowing customization to match specific themes. In comparison, the Dubai Mall fountain boasts 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors.

The old fountains required nearly a million liters of water, which had to be replaced weekly due to rapid contamination. In contrast, the new system will recycle the same water for six months, with only minor top-ups to offset evaporation.

Additionally, robotic cleaning machines will operate along the fountain floor, ensuring continuous maintenance by removing dirt and deposits.

For sustainability, the fountains will be powered by solar energy from a plant in Tsavo. Given that they require 30 motors with capacities ranging from 2.2 to 8 kilowatts, solar power is essential to meet their energy demands.

Why the Upgrade?

The new dancing fountains will create a breathtaking, immersive experience for visitors by combining water, light, and music in a visually stunning display. This transformation is expected to position KICC as a major attraction for both local and international tourists.

Furthermore, the fountains are anticipated to increase foot traffic, especially during themed shows, family events, and cultural performances scheduled for weekends.

To celebrate the launch, KICC is planning an exclusive inaugural event before the end of March. This showcase will feature live music, special effects, and a select audience of corporate executives, event planners, and media representatives.

Other Upgrades

The unveiling of the Dancing Fountains marks the start of a broader transformation at KICC. Thande revealed that plans are also underway to restore the iconic revolving restaurant, with ongoing discussions to attract investors for a modern dining experience.

Additionally, the KICC tower will be repurposed into a digital advertising hub, offering businesses a prime, high-visibility platform to showcase their brands.

“In partnership with Nairobi County, select streets around KICC will be closed on certain evenings, creating a space where the public can enjoy the mesmerizing water displays while vendors offer food and drinks,” he stated.

Workers on site installing the dancing fountains at KICC. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

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