Official Opening of Kenyatta International Conference Center
From Facebook/Presidential Library and Museum
The Kenyatta International Convention Center was opened on 11th September 1973. The 28 floor iconic landmark with a revolving restaurant on the top, then the tallest building in Eastern and Central Africa, quickly became home to major organizations and global events, making Kenya Africa’s top hub for International meetings.
The United Nations Environmental Program first set up its headquarters at the KICC on 2nd October 1973 before moving to its current base in Gigiri in 1975. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta inaugurated the UNEP offices, the only UN HQs outside the US and Europe, at KICC on 2nd October 1973.
The construction of KICC and other world class conference venues in Kenya together with the country fast-expanding infrastructure turned Nairobi into a hub for International meetings in the early 1970s. The first Annual General Meeting of the World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors outside its headquarters was held at the KICC two weeks after it was opened by the First President. The meeting was one of the first largest conferences to be held in Africa.
President Kenyatta signs visitor’s book during inauguration of UN Environment Secretariat at KICC, October 2, 1973 
President Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and other Government dignitaries after the official opening 
KICC under construction in May 1969 
President Jomo Kenyatta opening World Bank Conference at KICC on Sep 24, 1973. 
President Jomo Kenyatta meets architect and planner of KICC Karl Henrik Nostivik 
President Jomo Kenyatta unveils plaque to officially open KICC 
President Kenyatta addresses delegates at the World Bank Conference
