Investors are positioning themselves to benefit from Kenya’s ambitious target of securing a 30–35 per cent share of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, which is projected to attract more than 1.5 million delegates by 2030, under the National Tourism Strategy 2025–2030.
In Mombasa, tourism establishments are diversifying their offerings and expanding conference facilities to tap into the fast-growing and lucrative MICE tourism segment.
Mombasa’s rapidly emerging status as a MICE hub has been further strengthened by its hosting of the 11th Our Ocean Conference from June 16-18, 2026, the first edition of the global conference to be held on African soil.
The conference, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” will bring together governments, communities, innovators, and businesses to advance the global ocean agenda from dialogue to action, placing jobs, equity, and healthy oceans at the center of international cooperation.
To capitalize on the growing opportunities in MICE tourism, Premium Inn Conference and Restaurant has established a conference facility strategically located near Moi International Airport in Changamwe sub-county.
The facility has a restaurant seating capacity of 120 and can accommodate up to 220 conference delegates.
Speaking during the official opening of the facility, Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said the constituency serves as the gateway to the port city from the north and that the investment reflects growing investor confidence in the area.
The legislator said the facility will not only create employment opportunities for young people but also enhance skills development within the hospitality industry.
“The conference facility and restaurant means more guests will continue to flock to Mombasa,” he said.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, and Trade Mohamed Osman encouraged more investors to venture into the MICE sector, citing projections of increased MICE tourism in the coming years.
The facility’s proprietor, Imran Noorani, said that as Changamwe continues to grow as both a commercial and residential hub, they identified a clear need for a modern, high-quality conference and dining facility in Mainland West.
“Premium Inn as a brand filled that gap by offering professional conference facilities, exceptional dining experiences, and world-class hospitality services right here in the heart of Changamwe,” stated Noorani.
“We believe this facility is a game-changer for the area. It will provide businesses, organizations, families, and visitors with a convenient venue for meetings, conferences, celebrations, and memorable dining experiences, thus contributing to the economic growth and development of Changamwe,” he added.
He explained that the Premium Inn brand was established in the heart of Mombasa’s CBD as a business boutique hotel designed to provide comfort, convenience, and quality hospitality services to business travelers and visitors to the city.
“Through our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction, the Premium Inn name has continued to grow and earn the trust of our guests.
Today, with the opening of the Premium Inn Restaurant and Conference Center in Changamwe, we are proud to take the next step in that journey and further strengthen our presence in Mombasa’s hospitality sector,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
