Who is James Mbugua Mwaura? The New Face at KICC Ousting Uhuru’s Niece
After a year of anticipation for a Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua ultimately selected James Mbugua Mwaura to assume leadership at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) located in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
During the meeting, Mutua emphasized the importance of Mbugua’s expertise in tourism for advancing the landmark building to new levels of success. The KICC has consistently been recognized as a preferred venue for conferences.
“His extensive knowledge of conference tourism also known as Meetings, Incentives Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) matters will enable him to lead the corporation in enhancing its competitiveness,” read the statement in part.
“KICC is the largest convention Center in Eastern Africa with the capacity to hold over 10,000 delegates.”
Before his appointment, Mbugua had remained mostly inconspicuous despite his tenure at the 32-floor tower.
Based on documentation, the recently appointed CEO previously held the position of corporate services director within the company and had accumulated 19 years of professional experience up to that point in their career.
“I am a Corporate Services professional trained in the areas of, Finance, Accounting, Banking, Administration, Legal & Corporate Secretarial services. Besides competency-based training, I ‘am trained in, Strategic leadership, Senior management, Public Procurement, and Project Management,” Mwaura describes his achievements.
“The vast record of training is complemented by a record of success in Financial Management, Accounting, General administration and management, Banking, Human Resource Management, and Project management, gained over the last 19 years from both private and public sectors.”
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Following his graduation, the CEO commenced his professional journey as a clerk at Equity Bank. After six months in this role, he moved on to serve as a cash accountant at the Postal Corporation of Kenya for five years.
Subsequently, he served as the general manager of corporate services at the Pest Control Products Board from 2010 to 2022, before advancing to the role of director of corporate services at KICC.
“I have appeared before the Public Investment Committee of Parliament (PIC) to present the Financial Statements of the Pest Control Products Board for the last 17 years since financial year 2001/2002 to the year 2017 /2018 achieving a clean record of accountability for public funds as assessed by parliament with unqualified Audit Opinion for the 3 years up to the year 2017/2018,” he added.
In 2019, Mwaura registered at the University of Nairobi and completed his studies, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with a second-class upper division in 2023.
He has also served in public roles, including a period as part of the Audit Committee for the Presidency, overseeing functions such as the State House, Cabinet Affairs Office, and Office of the Deputy President.
James Mbugua assumes the role previously held by Nana Gecaga, who is the niece of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President William Ruto has proposed for the tower to be privatized.
Who is James Mbugua Mwaura? The New Face at KICC Ousting Uhuru’s Niece
