The Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage has firmly refuted claims that the iconic Bomas of Kenya has been sold to a foreign national. This comes in response to allegations made by former impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed the cultural center had been sold to a Turkish investor.
In a press statement issued on March 10, 2025, Principal Secretary Ms. Ummi Bashir categorically denied the allegations, stating that Bomas of Kenya remains a government facility under the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage. She emphasized that the ownership of the Bomas of Kenya has not changed and remains held in trust on behalf of the people of the Republic of Kenya.
“I am 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,” Bashir stated in the release.
The Bomas of Kenya, a cultural landmark established in 1971, holds a valid title in its name under the custody of the government. The Ministry confirmed that the development of the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) had been approved by the Cabinet on August 8, 2023. This development aims to transform Bomas into a premium conferencing facility, a vision spearheaded by the then Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Hon. Peninah Malonza.
The BICC is set to become a regional market leader, offering state-of-the-art conferencing venues and facilities that represent a significant upgrade from the existing infrastructure. The Ministry reassured the public that these developments will not affect the ownership status of Bomas of Kenya.
“The 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,” Bashir concluded.
As the government moves forward with the planned refurbishments and upgrades, it remains committed to preserving the cultural and historical significance of Bomas of Kenya while expanding its role as a leading conferencing and cultural hub in the region.
