President William Ruto appointed Miano to oversee the tourism docket following the dissolution of his initial cabinet in June 2024. Before taking on this role, Miano held positions in the trade docket and as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC) affairs.
The Role of Tourism in Kenya’s Economy Just a month into her new role as Tourism CS, Miano initiated notable improvements in a sector that plays a significant part in Kenya’s GDP. According to the Kenya Tourist Board, the industry recorded revenues surpassing KSh 142.5 billion and welcomed over 1 million visitors in the first half of the year.
“The Ministry’s role in fostering creativity far outweighs the conventional routines of established thinking. Imagination, after all, is boundless,” Miano said during her handover from CS Alfred Mutua. “By retelling our story, we will spark new ideas and experiences. I am excited to lead this transformation and guide the tourism and wildlife sector toward making Kenya the ‘Shangri-La of Africa’.”
Miano’s Achievements as Tourism CS In her short time as CS, Miano has already:
- Launched the KWS Strategic Plan 2024-2028, providing a clear roadmap for the Kenya Wildlife Service over the next five years.
- Introduced the Wildlife Research and Training Institute’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the National Wildlife Training Agenda 2024-2033, frameworks for conserving Kenya’s wildlife heritage and advancing research and training.
- Advocated for digital nomad work permits, inviting global remote workers to live in Kenya while working online, further positioning Kenya as a welcoming destination for global talent.
- Promoted the Transit & Long Connection Travellers ETA, allowing transit passengers to explore Kenya during layovers, enhancing Kenya’s appeal as a destination for travellers in transit.
- Signed an MOU with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to enhance security for tourists, demonstrating Kenya’s commitment to tourism.
- Launched an online portal for wildlife research permitting through the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), making it easier for researchers to gain access to Kenya.
Additional Initiatives
- Addressing the Hyena Menace: Shortly after taking office, Miano dealt with the issue of hyenas terrorizing Juja residents. KWS teams have since been stationed in the area, enabling peaceful coexistence between residents and wildlife.
- World Tourism Week: Miano, known for her hard work, recently led the nation in celebrating World Tourism Week by offering free access to all national parks. She also launched nine regional tourism circuits to diversify the market and attract both foreign and domestic tourists. “We’ve embraced niches like adventure, sports, culture, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism. Every region has something unique to offer,” Miano said.
- World Rhino Day: Speaking during World Rhino Day in Samburu, Miano emphasized the progress Kenyan and international scientists have made towards saving the northern white rhino through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with only two remaining in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- Elephant Translocation: Miano also led the relocation of 50 elephants from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park, demonstrating KWS’s dedication to improving human-wildlife coexistence and addressing environmental degradation in the reserve.
