Kenyatta International Convention Centre

Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Record height
Preceded by Hilton Nairobi
Surpassed by Teleposta Towers
General information
Type Commercial
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Coordinates 1°17′19″S 36°49′23″E / 1.28861°S 36.82306°E / -1.28861; 36.82306Coordinates: 1°17′19″S 36°49′23″E / 1.28861°S 36.82306°E / -1.28861; 36.82306
Completed 1974
Height
Roof 105 m (344 ft)
Top floor 28
Technical details
Floor count 28
Floor area 225,000 sq metres[1]
Lifts/elevators 5[2]
Design and construction
Architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik[3][4][5]

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), formerly the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, is a 28-story building located in Nairobi, Kenya. The KICC is located in the City Square of Nairobi, and a crucial address for a number of Government offices, including those of recently elected Senators.[6] It is an internationally renowned venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and special events within walking distance of several five star hotels. During its 41-year history it has been the host of several international conferences, seminars, exhibitions and summits.

The Center is ranked as one of the top places to hold conferences on the continent,[7] a feat considering its age in comparison to shiner venues and locations throughout Africa. KICC was the tallest structure in Nairobi up until the mid 2000s when the construction of the Times Tower, the home of the Kenya Revenue Authority, was completed. The building has since then ceded its position as the tallest tower to a host of other newer projects including the UAP Old Mutual Tower, which completes construction in 2016, the KCB Pensions Tower and Hass Tower,[8] which has just broken ground and is set to be the tallest structure on the continent.

History

The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, locally known as the "KICC", was commissioned by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the 1st President of the Republic of Kenya, in 1967. It was designed by kenyan architect Engineer NGILU in consultation with David Mutiso the first African arcitect[9] and the construction was carried out by contractors Solel Boneh & Factah. This was done in three phases. Phase I was the construction of the podium, Phase II consisted of the main tower and Phase III involved the Plenary.[10] Construction was completed in 1973, with the opening ceremony occurring in September 1973 presided over by President Kenyatta. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) was then made a State Corporation established under the Tourism Act. 2011 that came into operation on 1 September 2012. Whereas the center is known as a leading meeting venue in Nairobi, its national mandate following the Act became to nurture and promote the country as a destination most preferred for business travel and MICE tourism. M.I.C.E has been recognized as one of the four key products to be developed under the Kenya Vision 2030.[11]

In September 2013, as the iconic complex celebrated its 40th anniversary, it was renamed to the Kenyatta International Convention Center.[12]

Structure

General

The KICC currently stands as the sixth tallest building in Kenya, reaching a height of just over 105 metres.[13] It succeeded the Hilton Nairobi as the tallest building in Kenya, a position it held for 26 years before being surpassed by Teleposta Tower. The tower consists of 28 floors, including a revolving restaurant which offers panoramic views of the city, rotating 360° in 76 minutes.[14] The building's light teracotta façade reflects traditional African architecture, as does the use of simple solid shapes- cuboids make up the Plenary hall, the tower consists of a cylinder composed of several cuboids and the amphitheatre and helipad both resemble cones.[15]

There are several well-equipped conference and meeting rooms with the largest having a capacity over 4,000 delegates. The KICC is equipped with Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment with a capability of up to seven languages, a modern business centre, a banking facility, tour and travel services, expansive grounds and ample and secure parking. It is often depicted as an icon of Nairobi.

Up until the 1980s, there was a 'revolving restaurant' atop the KICC that was popular with politicians and the elite, but years of neglect literally brought it to a halt, though concerted efforts in 2012 to revive it were somewhat short lived. The 148-seater restaurant has a revolving mortar programmed to make approximately one revolution in 76 minutes.[16]

The Amphitheatre

At the amphitheatre "heritage and modernity meet". It is designed for medium-sized convening, 800 sittings on three balconies surrounding the auditorium, brings to life and control any serious business meeting. It is equipped with SIE Booths, full logic recording facilities, state of the art public address system and sound proofing.

The Plenary

The largest conference chamber of its kind in East Africa, the plenary is fortified with sound proof grey stone, deep natural wood and lofty ceilings. It caters for large international meetings, exhibitions and grand balls, and has a capacity of 5000 people. It is equipped with Advanced Sound Amplification & recording systems, Wireless Simultaneous interpretation Equipment (up to 7 languages) booths, and observer galleries. Its high ceilings were made for elaborate décor, hosting banners and other promotional materials.

Courtyard

This is a paved 75 square meter courtyard surrounding the Jomo Kenyatta statue. It was designed as a respite for those attending conferences. The courtyard includes gardens, pools and geyser fountains. Numerous flag poles and balconies in the courtyard are fashioned to host promotional identities.

COMESA Grounds

The COMESA grounds consist of expansive grounds overlooking the Kenyan parliament. In 1999, the largest ever exhibition to be held in Kenya, bringing together exhibiters from all COMESA countries, was held at the KICC. Among the attendees were nine heads of state, having come for the Heads of State Summit. The Ground can be used to hold large exhibitions or park up to 1000 cars.

See also

References

  1. ↑ KICC Floor Area (m), 8 April 2013.
  2. ↑ Kenyatta International Convention Centre Stats, 7 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
  4. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
  5. ↑ http://en.structurae.de/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0024926
  6. ↑ "50 senators told to vacate KICC offices over forums". Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  7. ↑ "Top 10 Convention Centers In Africa - How Africa". 2015-10-19. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  8. ↑ Mutheki, P. "PHOTOS: Nairobi to host the tallest building in Africa, the Hass towers with 66 floors | Waza News is the leading news site from across Kenya providing news on the latest Kenyan top stories, business, sports, gossip, entertainment, football, athletics and breaking news". www.waza.co.ke. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  9. ↑ "Nordic Architecture in Africa - Pavilion at Venice Architecure Biennale". ArchiPanic. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  10. ↑ KICC Construction, 7 April 2013.
  11. ↑ http://kicc.co.ke. "Our History | KICC". kicc.co.ke. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  12. ↑ Team, KTN Home Video. "Standard Digital News - KICC building marks 40 years since it was built in 1973". KTN Home. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  13. ↑ Kenyatta International Conference Centre Stats, 7 April 2013.
  14. ↑ KICC Specs, 7 April 2013.
  15. ↑ KICC Façade, 7 April 2013.
  16. ↑ "Historical KICC hotel back to life". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
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