Strategically located at the heart of the central business district, the landmark KICC is the largest conference facility in East and Central Africa and has played a crucial role in positioning Nairobi as the leading business hub in the region.

With its captivating contrast of towering skyscrapers and historical sites, Nairobi is the thriving heartbeat of East Africa. It is also the only city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep.

Nana Gecaga, CEO, KICC, said the country and the convention centre are ready and preparing to host the biggest event in the hospitality and travel industry. She said: "We are delighted as a country to host this auspicious event. Kenyans are well prepared and thrilled to give our guests an unforgettable hospitality and a magical experience during the gala ceremony."

She added that the prestigious event will offer the country an opportunity to showcase Kenya's great hospitality and culture. She said: "We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to come up with very attractive pre and post event packages that will ensure the delegates get an all-rounded Kenyan experience during their stay in the country."

Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, said: "We are honoured to host our Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2022 at the KICC, for what will mark our second visit to Nairobi. As tourism bounces back, the gathering will serve as the perfect platform for the industry's leaders to reunite and a launchpad for future business growth.

He added: "Our partnership with the KICC will help reinforce Nairobi's reputation as Africa's leading destination for business travel and MICE tourism."

Opened by Kenya's founding father President Kenyatta in 1973, the landmark KICC has staged some of the world's most prestigious conferences, as well as playing a key role in positioning Nairobi as the business capital of East Africa.

The centre used the down time of the Covid-19 pandemic to make renovations that included the refurbishing of meeting rooms. Business events and face-to-face interactions were very limited and banned at some point because they were one of the key contributors for the spread of the virus.

This therefore makes the upcoming WTA event even more important and significant for Africa as it will be the first award show since 2019, and its being held at KICC and in Kenya.

Nana Gecaga concluded: "I will be finishing my 7 years at KICC at the end of this year so I'm extremely honoured to be closing my tenure on such a high note, solidify all I have done and worked hard to reposition KICC to what we all have come to know and see today."