KICC staff in court over ‘unfair’ deal
The management of Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) has been accused of unfair business practices by an advertisement firm whose adverts are targeted for removal.
Lawyer George Bwoyere Akoto for Alliance Media Kenya Limited told Justice Pauline Nyamweya on Tuesday that the disputed section was the only site of the iconic building that was appropriate to Alliance Media and any alternative would not be sufficient.
“The firm chose the site on the account that it was convenient. It is not possible to quantify benefits to the company. It is in law that contracts should be honoured,” said Mr Bwoyere.
Alliance Media Kenya Limited had entered into an advertisement agreement with KICC in August 2012 that was to run for three years.
John Wambua Muswa, the business development manager at Alliance Media said in his affidavit that KICC management had turned round and was threatening to pull down their large advertising signage at the neck of the tower.
“The rent payable quarterly inclusive of service charge is Sh1,350,000. Alliance Media Kenya Limited has been making all the necessary payments,” said Mr Wambua.
On August 20, the government’s chief architect granted approval and assurance that the proposed advertising signage would not affect the structural stability of the building and on August 26, KICC granted the advertisement firm permission to erect advertising signage.
However, on November 10, while Alliance Media Kenya Limited was carrying out the test phase on the LED advertising, KICC employees switched off power.
A staff member contacted and verbally informed the contractor to remove the screens and structure.