Kenya’s top tourism officials have met with Google heavyweights to further harness the tech giant’s AI-driven platforms for the country’s tourism growth and conservation initiatives.
Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary of Wildlife and Tourism, and Margaret Ndung’u, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) Cabinet Secretary, met with Google’s East Africa and Middle East President Matt Brittin in Nairobi on October 29.
Brittin said the partnership will harness Kenya’s tourism data and search trends to uncover traveller preferences and demographics.
“Our business team is delighted to look at how we can complement data about where people are, what they are researching, what concerns they have and how the people who have visited can voice what they’ve seen and why it’s worth coming.”
Miano said Google had a transformative impact on the tourism industry through platforms such as Google Earth and Google Maps.
“By providing in-depth information and virtual tours of national parks, wildlife reserves and other attractions, these platforms can inspire potential tourists to visit responsibly. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, it is crucial to explore what transformative platforms such as Google can play in promoting tourism and conserving wildlife.”
The initiative will build on Google’s achievements in assisting Kenya’s government with digital infrastructure and skills development. The company was a key partner in establishing the Open University of Kenya online learning platform in 2023 and has collaborated with the MICDE to bring coding and AI literacy training to primary schools. The tech giant also provided a US$5 million grant to install fibre internet at 90 government-run institutions, including schools and clinics.
“We commend Google for its role in enhancing digital infrastructure and skills development, advancing AI adoption and supporting local innovations. This is not just building capacity but positioning Kenya as a global leader in the digital space,” Ndung’u said.
AI-driven job opportunities could contribute at least another US$2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy per year, she added.
