In 1973 -- the same year the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC for short) was opened -- it became a major international player in the world of finance. The IMF and World Bank hosted a conference at KICC, significantly elevating the status not just of the structure, but the newly independent country.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;quot;It turned a building that was of national importance into one of international importance,&amp;quot; says Herz. &amp;quot;It put Kenya on the map, and since it has become one of the most recognized buildings in Nairobi, and a symbol of Kenya&amp;#39;s independence.&amp;quot;