Busia County, under the leadership of Governor Paul Otuoma, has entered into a transformative partnership with the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) to enhance the region’s economic prospects through the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday signals a major milestone for the county, aiming to create new opportunities for businesses, stimulate growth, and increase the region’s global visibility.
The focus of this strategic partnership is to create a robust framework for establishing a business and convention center in Busia County. By developing MICE tourism in the region, the county hopes to tap into the potential for attracting both national and international events. This initiative promises to elevate Busia’s status as a prime destination for business tourism, benefiting not only the local economy but the broader Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) as well.
Governor Otuoma emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting the vast untapped potential for tourism in the county. With its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and strategic location, Busia has much to offer. Highlights such as Kakapel’s stone art, the expansive Lake Victoria at Port Victoria, and the Export Processing Zone at Nasewa offer a wealth of opportunities for tourism development. However, these attractions have remained underdeveloped, and this partnership aims to bridge the gap by focusing on infrastructure development that will support the growth of MICE tourism.
“Busia County has enormous potential to become a key logistics hub and gateway to East and Central Africa,” Governor Otuoma remarked during the signing ceremony. The partnership with KICC is viewed as a vital step toward realizing this vision. The development of a modern business and convention center will cater to the growing demand for venues that can host large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and other business events. This initiative is expected to not only attract more tourists and investors but also stimulate local businesses, create job opportunities, and boost the county’s economy.
James Mwaura, CEO of KICC, echoed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of MICE tourism. “This agreement marks a significant step forward for Busia County’s economic growth, as it leverages KICC’s expertise to position Busia as a prime destination for business tourism,” Mwaura said. He added that the partnership would stimulate local economies, boost visibility, and attract national and international events to the region. In the long run, this initiative will make Busia a central player in the business tourism sector, contributing to Kenya’s overall economic progress.
In addition to promoting MICE tourism, Governor Otuoma’s administration has prioritized addressing poverty and food insecurity in the county. In July, Otuoma shifted focus to agricultural reforms through the Ward-Based Agriculture Sector Driven Rural Revitalisation Programme (WASRERP). This program aims to reduce poverty by half by 2027, with a focus on increasing food security. Busia County’s agriculture sector has immense potential, but poverty remains a significant challenge. According to recent data, 70 percent of the rural population in Busia lives below the poverty line, largely due to the collapse of key sectors like textiles and fisheries, which historically provided employment and income.
Governor Otuoma’s new approach involves building and connecting agricultural producer organizations to markets. This strategy is expected to revitalize rural areas and provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty. The MICE partnership with KICC complements these efforts by promoting the county’s commercial and tourism potential, creating new income streams for its residents.
With the collaboration set to unlock new economic opportunities, Busia County stands poised for an economic transformation that will not only benefit the region but also position it as a key player in Kenya’s development agenda. Through strategic partnerships and focused investment in infrastructure and tourism, Busia is charting a course toward a more prosperous future, one that harnesses the power of both agriculture and business tourism for long-term growth.
