Nairobi, Kenya, March 11 : President William Ruto has announced that major infrastructural development at the Bomas of Kenya will commence in two weeks.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Ruto stated that the development will include the construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex.
Ruto added that the facility will be a major boost for tourism and related activities at the national heritage.
"The President announced that construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex will begin in two weeks, marking a major milestone in the government’s plan to transform the facility into a world-class conferencing hub."
"The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events," read the dispatch in part.
In the initial plan that was approved by Cabinet in 2023, it had been noted that a presidential pavilion and five hotels would be built at the facility.
Notably, Ruto's announcement came after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that land had been sold to a Turkish international - allegations that were denied by the government.
Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir responded to claims by the former Deputy President.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, Bashir described the allegations as shocking, clarifying that Bomas remains under government ownership.
"I am therefore shocked by the allegations made by the former Deputy President with regard to the sale of Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish national. The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage stands to categorically refute this allegation. Bomas of Kenya has not been sold to anyone," the statement read.
Bashir further addressed concerns about ongoing developments at the facility, noting that it was approved by the Cabinet as part of a plan to refurbish and upgrade the existing facilities.
"The development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) was approved by Cabinet on 8th August 2023, after a Cabinet Memorandum presented by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Hon Peninah Malonza, EGH.
"The idea of refurbishing and upgrading Bomas of Kenya is not new and has been in consideration for the past 10 years. Nevertheless, it is the current administration that has given impetus to its actualization. The Bomas of Kenya has a valid title in its name, issued in 1971. This title is in the Government's custody," the statement added.
Bashir assured that the ownership of Bomas will not change, noting that it remains held in trust on behalf of Kenyans.
"The State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage assures the public that Bomas of Kenya will remain a Government facility. Its ownership shall not change, as it is held in trust on behalf of the People of the Republic of Kenya, for posterity," the statement concluded.
Speaking on Sunday, March 9 in Kajiado County, Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that the government has approved the sale of Bomas to a Turkish investor - a deal he says he opposed in Cabinet before being overruled.
“Bomas of Kenya, a symbol of our cultural heritage and national unity, has been sold to a Turkish investor. I stood in the Cabinet and vehemently objected to this agenda because I knew the implications, but now, since I am out, they have pushed it through,'' the former DP said.
Gachagua accused Members of Parliament of accepting bribes to remain silent on controversial government deals, claiming the institution meant to hold the executive accountable has been compromised.
" Watu wengine wote ni waoga wakiona rais wanatetemeka. Mimi nilsimama cabinet nikasema Bomas of Kenya is a national heritage and we cannot sell it. Imeuziwa mturuki ambaye ni business partner ya mtu mkubwa katika serikali hii mnamjua" said the former DP.
Gachagua, now positioned as a vocal opposition figure, further alleged that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also raised concerns regarding the sale, citing the site’s location within a flight path. He lamented that these objections were disregarded. “The people from civil aviation opposed it, but the President went ahead and sold it. We are on our own,” he stated.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gachagua also accused the government of selling off prison lands across the country, leading to the forced relocation of correctional facilities and potentially impacting churches built on those lands.
“All prison lands have been sold. All prisons need to be relocated. Even churches built on these lands, including Catholic and SDA churches, will be demolished,” he claimed.
