Hotels to accommodate 8,000 at Africities Summit

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Hotels to accommodate 8,000 at Africities Summit

The ninth edition of the Africities Summit has extended accreditation of hotels to the neighbouring counties in Kisumu to accommodate more than 8,000 delegates expected at the lakeside city.

The secretariat for the event to kick off on Tuesday said it would consider facilities in Siaya, Vihiga and Kakamega counties.

Achie Alai, Kisumu County Tourism executive, added that the Africities secretariat has also identified and vetted individuals operating Airbnbs, homestays and serviced apartments as the city prepares for the first summit to be held in an intermediary city.

She said that we are running out of space and are now forced to look outside Kisumu during the inaugural briefing at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium.

Ms Alai pointed out that the registered Airbnb operators and homestays would boost their capacity in hosting a large number of guests.

The participants were assured by Nyanza regional commissioner Magu Mutindika that security will be enhanced for the private residents that will host extra guests.

The operation will cover all corners of the region to ensure the security of all guests, he said yesterday.

The expansion of Kisumu International Airport has boosted the preparations for the summit.

Fly Renegade Air Limited announced last week that there would be return tickets starting from Sh 17,400, to cater to guests who will commute between Nairobi and Kisumu.

The shuttle flight package will be operated between Wilson Airport and Kisumu International Airport.

As registration continues, 6,000 delegates had already registered to attend the conference, according to Ms Alai. She said that only accredited participants would access the venue to ensure safety at the summit.

The organisers have also set aside the renovated Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground as an entertainment spot.

The United Cities and Local Governments of Africa's flagship Pan-African event every three years in one of the five regions of Africa will be the biggest event Kisumu has ever hosted.

The summit attracts communities and local authorities in African countries as well as financial institutions, civil society groups and development partners at continental and international levels.

Kisumu deputy governor Mathews Owili said that the event would have a separate session for elders from across Africa at Mama Grace Onyango Hall.

He said that he hopes to finish all the preparations on Sunday 15 when local and international exhibitors will be allowed to access their stands.