K
enya has presented its bid to host the 12th World Chamber Congress in 2021 before the International Chamber of Commerce jury at the World Chambers Federation meeting in Beijing China.
Kenya, which was the third competitor before the judges, put up a strong bid that among others showcased the country as an international conference destination with an experienced hospitality industry of international standards, a gateway toward any other African country and an economy with a thriving private and public sector partnership.
“I am persuaded to think that we have been able to convince them that we are not giving them a concrete jungle but also an experience of Africa. It is going to be a congress like no other. We would like it to coincide with the wildebeest migration,” said Kenya’s 12th World Chamber Congress bid chair James Mureu.
According to Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry national chairman Kiprono Kittony, Kenya has presented a powerful bid for Africa, with most countries having endorsed the bid, and the country is ready and able to host another major international conference.
“We believe we have put the best bid of the four presented today. The mood was very bullish as Kenya was presenting indicating that our product was different and we hope the judges will allow Kenya and Africa to be the next host,” said KNCCI chair.
The Kenyan delegation believes that despite the fierce competition from other bidding states especially Dubai, the limited chances that Africa has been presented with a chance to host this congress with only South Africa having previously accommodated the congress will sway the judges towards Kenya’s bid.
“KICC has the capacity with large meeting rooms as well as outside breakout rooms and we look forward to hosting the chambers in 2021,” said KICC CEO Nana Gecaga.
The Kenyan delegation of 14 included teams from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Kenya’s ambassador to China, the Kenyatta International Conference Center and the Kenya Investment Authority.
Previously, the forum has been held in France, South Korea, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Malaysia, Mexico, Qatar and Italy