Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has outlined the government’s strategic vision for revitalizing Kenya’s tourism industry, emphasizing policy reforms, youth employment, infrastructure development, and the promotion of niche tourism products such as wellness and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Speaking with Linda Koskey on K24 TV, CS Miano revealed that the Ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Tourism Policy, Tourism Strategy, and the Tourism Act, incorporating feedback from the private sector.
She noted that collaboration with industry stakeholders will be key to achieving sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
“We have received feedback and suggestions from the private sector, and we will continue harnessing the most robust relationship between government and the private sector,” she said.
Tourism as a Youth Empowerment Engine
Miano highlighted the sector’s role in addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth.
According to the CS, approximately 80% of workers in Kenya’s hospitality industry, including hotels, tour operations, and ticketing services, are youth under the age of 35.
“Tourism is a key economic enabler, especially in terms of job creation,” she affirmed.
Bomas International Convention Centre: A Future ‘Conference City’
Among the transformative projects on the horizon is the Bomas International Convention Centre, which the CS described as a state-of-the-art facility that will position Kenya as a regional hub for global conferences and exhibitions.
“There are plans to have an ultra-modern Conference Centre, almost like a conference city, with a capacity of 11,000 people and built to international standards,” she said.
“It will be a very big boost to our Meetings and Conferences strategy.”
Kenya: A Global Wellness Tourism Destination
Miano also spoke about the rise of wellness tourism, urging stakeholders to explore Kenya’s potential in this rapidly growing global niche.
“It’s not just about yoga—it’s about wellness tourism,” she said.
“Kenya is a wellness savannah. I want to welcome everyone to participate in this growing sector so that wellness becomes a product not just for visitors, but also for our own people.”
Unique Tourism Products and Global Recognition
Emphasizing Kenya’s distinct competitive edge, the CS said the country offers unique tourism products that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
“The Creator endowed this country with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and hospitable people,” she said. “According to the Friendly Index, Kenya has been ranked as the most friendly country in Africa.”
Ambitious Targets for Growth
Looking ahead, CS Miano reiterated Kenya’s goal of attracting 5.5 million tourists annually, a target that is projected to generate KES 1 trillion in tourism revenue.
“We really want to make a difference using tourism,” she said.
The interview underscores the Ministry’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, in line with national strategies such as Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
