Concerns over the Ksh42 billion redevelopment of the Bomas International Convention Complex have intensified after the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing summoned Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to appear before it on August 4.
The summons was issued after Miano failed to attend a scheduled meeting where she was expected to explain key aspects of the project.
The committee, chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, said it had rejected her request to postpone the meeting and instead resolved to formally require her attendance.
Speaking on Thursday, July 23, Oketch said parliamentary invitations must be taken seriously, noting that Cabinet Secretaries are accountable to Parliament.
He explained that the committee needed direct engagement with the Cabinet Secretary to address concerns surrounding the project and obtain answers on matters that senators believe remain unresolved.
The meeting was expected to focus on the status of the Bomas International Convention Complex redevelopment, including procurement procedures, contract variations, approvals, planning processes and project reports. Senators have been seeking detailed information on how the project is being implemented and whether all procedures have been followed correctly.
Miano, however, did not appear before the committee. Instead, she sent a letter indicating that the issues raised by senators had already been addressed through information previously submitted.
Her explanation was not accepted by members of the committee, who argued that Parliament has the authority to determine whether the information provided is sufficient.
Among those who questioned the Cabinet Secretary’s response was Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang. He said it was not the role of a witness to decide whether Parliament has received adequate information.
According to Kajwang, the committee must be allowed to assess the information and determine whether further clarification is needed.
The redevelopment of Bomas is one of the government’s flagship projects aimed at transforming the facility into a modern international convention centre capable of hosting major global conferences, exhibitions and events.
Construction officially began in March 2025 as part of efforts to improve Kenya’s conference and tourism infrastructure.
In December 2025, President William Ruto announced that the project would be completed by April 2026, with the facility expected to begin hosting events a month later.
The announcement created expectations that the redevelopment would be completed within the stated timeline.
However, questions about the progress of the project emerged after members of the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife visited the site on April 22.
During the inspection, officials confirmed that the ongoing construction would not be completed within the expected timeframe, raising concerns about possible delays.
When Miano appears before the Senate committee on August 4, senators are expected to examine several aspects of the project in greater detail.
Discussions are likely to focus on procurement decisions, contract changes, approvals and the reasons behind delays in completion.
The upcoming appearance is expected to provide Parliament with an opportunity to scrutinise one of the country’s largest ongoing public projects and seek answers on issues that have continued to attract public interest.