Introduction
Finding the right venue is one of the most important decisions when planning an event. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, corporate conference, birthday party, seminar, or any other gathering, Kenya offers diverse venue options across different budgets and styles.
This comprehensive guide covers event venues in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major Kenyan cities, including capacity, costs, amenities, and booking tips.
Types of Event Venues
Hotels and Conference Centers
Best For: Conferences, seminars, weddings, corporate events
Advantages:
- All-in-one packages (venue, catering, accommodation)
- Professional service
- Multiple room sizes
- Audio-visual equipment included
- Ample parking
- Convenient for out-of-town guests
Disadvantages:
- More expensive
- Less flexibility in decor
- May have strict timing
Outdoor Venues
Best For: Weddings, garden parties, large gatherings, festivals
Advantages:
- Beautiful natural settings
- Fresh air and space
- Unique photo opportunities
- Often more affordable
- Flexible setup
Disadvantages:
- Weather dependent
- May need tent rental
- Logistics more complex
- Limited facilities (restrooms, kitchen)
Community Halls and Centers
Best For: Meetings, small events, community gatherings, budget events
Advantages:
- Very affordable
- Located in residential areas
- Basic facilities sufficient for simple events
- Support local community
Disadvantages:
- Basic amenities
- Limited catering options
- Decor usually minimal
- May need to hire equipment
Private Event Spaces
Best For: Parties, weddings, corporate events, product launches
Advantages:
- Unique character
- Flexible rules
- Often stylish/trendy
- Good for branding
Disadvantages:
- Variable amenities
- May be hard to find
- Costs vary widely
Religious Venues
Best For: Weddings, religious ceremonies, community events
Advantages:
- Significant for religious ceremonies
- Often affordable or free for members
- Community connection
Disadvantages:
- Religious restrictions may apply
- Limited availability
- Basic amenities
Nairobi Venues
High-End Hotels and Conference Centers
Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)
Location: City center Capacity: Various halls - 50 to 4,000 people Best For: Large conferences, exhibitions, official events
Facilities:
- Multiple conference rooms and halls
- Amphitheatre (Tsavo Ballroom - 4,000 capacity)
- Committee rooms
- Catering services
- Parking
- Audio-visual equipment
Cost:
- Small meeting rooms: KES 15,000-30,000 per day
- Medium halls: KES 50,000-150,000 per day
- Large ballrooms: KES 200,000-500,000+ per day
Booking: www.kicc.co.ke, 020-2221211
Villa Rosa Kempinski
Location: Chiromo, Westlands Capacity: Various rooms - 20 to 650 people
Facilities:
- Ballroom (650 capacity)
- Multiple meeting rooms
- Luxury accommodation
- Five-star catering
- Spa, pool
- Valet parking
Best For: High-end weddings, corporate events, conferences
Cost: Premium pricing - KES 100,000-500,000+ depending on package
Booking: 020-8002400
Radisson Blu Hotel
Location: Upper Hill Capacity: Up to 1,000 in ballroom
Facilities:
- Large ballroom
- Multiple meeting rooms
- Rooftop venue
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Modern AV equipment
Cost: KES 80,000-300,000+ depending on event
Crowne Plaza Nairobi
Location: Upper Hill Capacity: Up to 1,500 people
Facilities:
- Convention center
- Ballrooms
- Outdoor spaces
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Parking
Cost: KES 70,000-250,000+
Safari Park Hotel
Location: Embakasi (near airport) Capacity: Various halls - up to 2,000
Facilities:
- Multiple halls and conference rooms
- Beautiful gardens (outdoor events)
- Casino, pools, entertainment
- Accommodation (over 200 rooms)
- Catering
- Ample parking
Best For: Weddings, conferences, large events
Cost: KES 60,000-300,000+ depending on package
Popular: Known for weddings
Booking: 020-8000000
Tribe Hotel
Location: Gigiri Capacity: Various spaces - 50 to 600
Facilities:
- Ballroom
- Village Market adjacent (shopping, entertainment)
- Stylish modern design
- Outdoor terrace
- Accommodation
- Catering
Best For: Corporate events, trendy weddings, product launches
Cost: Premium - KES 80,000-250,000+
Mid-Range Hotels
Panari Hotel
Location: Mombasa Road Capacity: Up to 1,500
Facilities:
- Conference center
- Multiple halls
- Outdoor spaces
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Spa, gym, pool
Cost: KES 40,000-150,000
Sarova Stanley
Location: City center Capacity: Various rooms - up to 300
Facilities:
- Historic hotel
- Multiple meeting rooms
- The Thorn Tree Café (iconic)
- Central location
- Accommodation
Cost: KES 50,000-200,000
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Location: Central Park area Capacity: Up to 350 in ballroom
Facilities:
- Elegant ballroom
- Meeting rooms
- City center location
- Five-star service
- Accommodation
- Maisha Club (spa, gym, pool)
Cost: KES 70,000-250,000+
Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi
Location: Westlands Capacity: Various halls - up to 1,200
Facilities:
- Multiple conference rooms
- Ballroom
- Outdoor garden
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Parking
Cost: KES 40,000-120,000
Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Location: Parklands Capacity: Up to 500
Facilities:
- Conference rooms
- Ballroom
- Rooftop venue
- Accommodation
- Parking
Cost: KES 35,000-100,000
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Sentrim 680 Hotel
Location: Nairobi West Capacity: Various halls - up to 300
Cost: KES 25,000-80,000
Kenya Comfort Hotel Suites
Location: Milimani, City Center Capacity: Meeting rooms - 20 to 150
Cost: KES 15,000-50,000
Hilton Garden Inn
Location: Mombasa Road (near airport) Capacity: Up to 200
Cost: KES 30,000-90,000
Outdoor and Garden Venues
Karura Forest
Location: Muthaiga/Runda area Capacity: Varies (outdoor events)
What: Beautiful forest setting with waterfalls, caves
Best For: Photoshoots, small gatherings, picnics
Cost: Entry fee only (KES 100-300), but limited facilities for events
Note: Check Kenya Forest Service regulations
Oloolua Nature Trail
Location: Karen Capacity: Outdoor space Best For: Small events, photoshoots Cost: Entry fees apply
Arboretum
Location: Off State House Road Capacity: Outdoor space Best For: Picnic events, concerts (Koroga Festival held here) Cost: Entry fee, event permit required
The Social House
Location: Karen Capacity: Various spaces - up to 500 (outdoor and indoor)
Facilities:
- Garden venue
- Indoor spaces
- Multiple setups possible
- Bar and restaurant
- Parking
Best For: Weddings, parties, corporate events
Cost: KES 50,000-200,000 depending on package
The Alchemist
Location: Westlands (Mookh Mall area) Capacity: Various spaces - up to 300
Facilities:
- Rooftop bar
- Indoor restaurant
- Creative space
- Trendy atmosphere
Best For: Corporate parties, product launches, birthday parties
Cost: Varies, minimum spend or hire fee
Shanga Villas
Location: Karen Capacity: Up to 150 (garden events)
What: Boutique event space with gardens
Best For: Intimate weddings, small events
Cost: KES 80,000-250,000
Unique Venues
Nairobi National Museum
Location: Museum Hill Capacity: Varies by space
What: Museum grounds and galleries
Best For: Corporate events, cultural events, product launches
Cost: Contact for pricing
Booking: 020-3742131
Giraffe Centre
Location: Karen Capacity: Limited (outdoor)
What: Unique setting with giraffes
Best For: Small events, photoshoots
Cost: Contact for events pricing (normal entry KES 1,500)
The Bomas of Kenya
Location: Langata Capacity: Up to 3,500 (main arena)
Facilities:
- Large auditorium
- Cultural performances available
- Outdoor spaces
- Traditional homesteads backdrop
Best For: Cultural events, large gatherings
Cost: KES 50,000-200,000+
Railways Museum
Location: Near Nairobi Railway Station Capacity: Outdoor events
What: Historic railway setting
Best For: Unique events, photoshoots
Community Halls
Catholic Halls (Various Locations)
- St. Austin’s Community Centre (Lavington) - KES 15,000-40,000
- Holy Family Basilica Hall - KES 20,000-50,000
- Many parish halls across Nairobi - KES 5,000-25,000
Capacity: Usually 100-300
Facilities: Basic - hall, chairs, tables, kitchen, restrooms
ACK Halls (Anglican Church of Kenya)
- Various locations
- Cost: KES 10,000-40,000
Chief’s Camps and Community Centers
- Neighborhood community centers
- Cost: KES 3,000-15,000
- Basic facilities
- Good for simple meetings, small parties
Mombasa Venues
Hotels and Resorts
Voyager Beach Resort
Location: Nyali Capacity: Up to 1,000
Facilities:
- Beachfront location
- Conference facilities
- Accommodation
- All-inclusive packages available
Best For: Conferences, team building, weddings
Cost: KES 60,000-250,000+
Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Shanzu Capacity: Various spaces - up to 400
Facilities:
- Beachfront
- Conference rooms
- Luxury accommodation
- Spa
- Multiple dining options
Cost: Premium - KES 80,000-300,000+
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Bamburi Capacity: Up to 800
Facilities:
- Beachfront
- Conference center
- Multiple halls
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
Best For: Large conferences, weddings, team building
Cost: KES 50,000-200,000+
Tamarind Village
Location: Nyali Capacity: Various spaces
What: Unique waterfront venue
Facilities:
- Dhow cruises
- Restaurant spaces
- Waterfront setting
Best For: Intimate events, dinners
Cost: Varies
PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort
Location: Shanzu Capacity: Up to 600
Cost: KES 40,000-150,000
Bamburi Beach Hotel
Location: Bamburi Capacity: Various halls
Cost: KES 35,000-120,000
Mombasa Conference Facilities
Mombasa Sports Club
Location: Near Mombasa Hospital Capacity: Various halls - up to 500
Facilities:
- Multiple halls
- Outdoor spaces
- Sports facilities
- Parking
Cost: KES 25,000-80,000
Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Shanzu Capacity: Up to 300
Cost: KES 30,000-100,000
Outdoor Venues
Fort Jesus
Location: Old Town What: Historic fort (UNESCO site)
Best For: Unique cultural events, small gatherings
Note: Special permission required, limited events
Haller Park
Location: Bamburi Capacity: Outdoor areas
Best For: Team building, picnics
Cost: Entry fee + event fee
Other Major Cities
Kisumu
Kiboko Bay Resort
- Lakefront venue
- Capacity: Up to 500
- Cost: KES 30,000-100,000
Imperial Hotel Kisumu
- City center
- Capacity: Various halls - up to 300
- Cost: KES 25,000-80,000
Acacia Premier Hotel
- Capacity: Up to 150
- Cost: KES 20,000-60,000
Nakuru
Sarova Woodlands Hotel
- Capacity: Various halls - up to 400
- Cost: KES 30,000-100,000
Midland Hotel
- City center
- Capacity: Up to 300
- Cost: KES 20,000-70,000
Chester Hotel Nakuru
- Capacity: Up to 250
- Cost: KES 15,000-50,000
Eldoret
Sirikwa Hotel
- Capacity: Various halls - up to 500
- Cost: KES 25,000-80,000
Boma Inn Eldoret
- Capacity: Up to 300
- Cost: KES 20,000-60,000
Nyeri
Outspan Hotel
- Historic hotel
- Capacity: Various spaces
- Cost: KES 20,000-60,000
Nanyuki
Sportsman’s Arms Hotel
- Capacity: Up to 200
- Cost: KES 20,000-60,000
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
- Luxury venue
- Capacity: Various spaces - up to 300
- Cost: Premium pricing
Naivasha
Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
- Scenic location
- Capacity: Up to 500
- Cost: KES 40,000-150,000
Lake Naivasha Resort
- Lakeside venue
- Capacity: Various spaces
- Cost: KES 30,000-100,000
How to Choose the Right Venue
Consider Your Event Type
Corporate Conference:
- Professional setting
- Good AV equipment
- Breakout rooms
- Central location
- Hotel ideal
Wedding:
- Beautiful setting
- Space for ceremony and reception
- Catering facilities
- Accommodation for guests
- Photography-friendly
Birthday Party:
- Fun atmosphere
- Suitable size
- Flexible decor
- Easy access
- Budget-friendly
Workshop/Training:
- Comfortable seating
- Good lighting
- AV equipment
- Breakout spaces
- Convenient location
Guest Count
- Count confirmed guests
- Add 10-15% buffer
- Check venue capacity
- Consider comfort (don’t overcrowd)
Budget
Calculate Total Venue Costs:
- Venue hire fee
- Catering (per person)
- Equipment rental
- Decor
- Service charges (often 15-18%)
- VAT (16%)
Budget Breakdown Example:
For 100 guests:
- Mid-range hotel: KES 50,000 (venue) + KES 2,000/person (catering) = KES 250,000
- Plus service charge (16%): KES 40,000
- Plus VAT: Varies
- Total: ~KES 300,000-350,000
Community hall option:
- Venue: KES 8,000
- Self-catering: KES 800/person = KES 80,000
- Equipment rental: KES 15,000
- Total: ~KES 103,000
Location and Accessibility
Consider:
- Where guests are coming from
- Traffic patterns (avoid rush hours)
- Parking availability
- Public transport access
- Security of area
- Accommodation nearby (for out-of-town guests)
Amenities and Facilities
Essential:
- Restrooms (adequate number)
- Kitchen or catering facilities
- Seating and tables
- Parking
Important:
- Audio-visual equipment (projector, microphone, speakers)
- Air conditioning/heating
- Good lighting
- Wi-Fi
- Backup power (generator)
Nice to Have:
- Bridal suite/changing rooms
- Outdoor space
- Scenic views
- Unique character
Date Availability
- Popular dates book early (especially weekends)
- Holiday seasons busy
- Check availability before committing
- Consider alternative dates for better rates
Booking Process
Step 1: Research and Shortlist
- List 5-10 potential venues
- Check websites and social media
- Read reviews
- Compare costs
Step 2: Site Visits
What to Check:
- Actual space (photos can be misleading)
- Condition of facilities
- Cleanliness
- Staff professionalism
- Parking
- Noise levels
- Lighting (natural and artificial)
Questions to Ask:
- What’s included in the price?
- What are extra costs?
- Setup and cleanup - who does it?
- Timing restrictions?
- Noise restrictions?
- Vendor restrictions (must use their caterer)?
- Cancellation policy?
- Payment terms?
- Insurance requirements?
Step 3: Get Written Quotes
- Request detailed written quotes
- Compare exactly what’s included
- Check for hidden costs
- Clarify service charges and taxes
Step 4: Review Contract
Check Contract Includes:
- Date and time
- Number of guests
- Exact venue space
- What’s included (tables, chairs, AV, etc.)
- Catering details (if applicable)
- Payment schedule
- Cancellation terms
- Force majeure clause
- Insurance requirements
Step 5: Pay Deposit
- Usually 30-50% deposit to confirm
- Get receipt
- Confirm booking in writing
Step 6: Final Arrangements
- Confirm details 2-4 weeks before
- Provide final guest count
- Discuss setup and schedule
- Arrange site visit for decorators/vendors
- Pay balance before event
Cost-Saving Tips
Book Off-Peak
- Weekday events cheaper than weekends
- Off-season (avoid December, wedding season)
- Daytime events cheaper than evening
Negotiate
- Ask for discounts (especially for weekdays, off-peak)
- Bundle services (venue + catering)
- Book early (early bird rates)
- Book multiple events (if planning several)
Compare Packages
- Get quotes from multiple venues
- Compare what’s included
- Don’t just look at price - consider value
Reduce Guest Count
- Smaller guest list = smaller venue needed
- Significant cost savings
Consider Alternative Venues
- Community halls vs. hotels
- Public parks (with permits)
- Home-based events
Bring Your Own
- If venue allows BYOB (bring your own beverages), can save money
- DIY decor
- Own caterer (if allowed)
Red Flags to Watch For
- Venue looks different from photos (always visit)
- Hidden fees not disclosed upfront
- Poor maintenance or cleanliness
- No written contract
- Pressure to book immediately
- No reviews or references
- Unresponsive management
- Vague answers about what’s included
Venue Permits and Requirements
County Permits
For outdoor events or large gatherings, you may need:
- Public gathering permit (from County Government)
- NEMA permit (for environmental impact)
- Police clearance (for security)
Where to Apply: County offices, usually County Administration
Liquor License
If serving alcohol at non-hotel venue:
- Temporary liquor license may be required
- Apply through County Licensing Office
- Cost: KES 5,000-15,000
Noise Permits
For loud music or late-night events:
- Noise permit from NEMA
- Notify neighbors in writing
Conclusion
Kenya offers a wide range of event venues to suit every type of occasion, budget, and style. From luxurious five-star hotels like Villa Rosa Kempinski and Safari Park Hotel to charming outdoor spaces, budget-friendly community halls, and unique venues like Giraffe Centre and Bomas of Kenya, there’s something for everyone.
The key to finding the perfect venue is understanding your event needs, knowing your budget, and doing thorough research. Visit potential venues in person, ask detailed questions, review contracts carefully, and compare options before committing.
With proper planning and the right venue, your event will be set for success. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering of 20 or a grand conference of 2,000, Kenya’s diverse venue options can accommodate your vision and make your event memorable.