Mombasa bets on MICE Tourism as Facility unveiled to Spur Investment

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism with investors expanding hospitality facilities to tap into growing demand for corporate travel and business events.

The trend was evident on Friday, June 12, 2026 during the opening of Premium Inn Conference and Restaurant in Changamwe where tourism stakeholders cited improved transport infrastructure and rising conference activity as key drivers of new investment in the sector.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said the establishment of conference facilities in the area reflects growing investor confidence in Mombasa’s potential as a destination for business tourism.

“Changamwe is the gateway to the city from the north. The growth of MICE tourism means growing investor confidence,” he said.

The legislator noted that the new facility was expected to create employment opportunities for youth and women while strengthening skills development in the hospitality industry.

“The conference facility and restaurant mean more guests will continue to flock to Mombasa.”

County executive committee member for tourism (CECM) Mohamed Osman said the county government expects visitor numbers to continue rising, encouraging private sector investment in accommodation and conference infrastructure.

“This shows investor confidence in Mombasa County as a tourism hub,” he said adding that the county projects more than five million visitors by 2027.

Industry players have increasingly identified MICE tourism as a key growth segment because conference delegates typically spend more on accommodation, transport and related services than leisure tourists.

Premium Inn general manager Levi Nsubuga attributed the growing interest in Changamwe subcounty to improved connectivity through road networks, the standard gauge railway and proximity to Moi International Airport.

He said the investment informed by increasing demand for conference facilities from corporate clients and organisations holding events in Mombasa.

“We had hotel rooms but lacked conference halls. With improved roads and railway infrastructure, transportation has become easier for our guests,” he said.

According to him the facility comprises a 120-seat restaurant and a conference hall with a capacity of 220 people.

“Our next move is building more rooms to accommodate growing demand,” he said.

The CECM said the county government was intensifying efforts to improve waste management and environmental cleanliness as part of broader measures aimed at enhancing Mombasa’s attractiveness to tourists and investors.

Mombasa remains one of Kenya’s leading tourism destinations, benefiting from its coastal attractions, expanding transport infrastructure and growing role as a centre for conferences and business events.

The sector is expected to play a significant role in supporting hotel investment and job creation as the county seeks to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional beach tour