Kenya’s new Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife has pledged to fast-track strategies aimed at unlocking the immense potential of the country’s tourism sector with particular focus on overhauling the country’s National Tourism Policy.

As a result of President William Ruto’s cabinet reshuffle, Rebecca Miano took over the helm from Alfred Mutua who has moved to the position of Cabinet Secretary of Labour and Social Protection.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, August 14, Miano said she would spearhead the overhaul of the 2010 National Tourism Policy to cater for emerging trends.

“My priority will be to accelerate the growth of tourism earnings to support government’s development agenda. I will seek broad consensus with key stakeholders in the sector to ensure that the spirit of the bottom-up economic model is upheld in a manner that distributes benefits accruing from tourism and wildlife conservation more evenly throughout Kenya as I consult with sector players on ways of reducing human-wildlife conflicts.”

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Kenya Tourism Board, is collaborating with county governments to develop niche tourism circuits, which Miano said would be a game changer for the sector.

“There is need to re-tool wildlife conservation in order to respond to current issues like climate change. Kenya is custodian of diverse wildlife heritage as well as flora and fauna that we must take care of. We will also focus on ensuring synergy with the county governments as well as creating an enabling environment for investment in tourism across the country. My door is open for all sector players as we seek beneficial partnerships.”

Grassroots development

To bolster skills within the sector, Miano promised to ensure operationalisation of the Ronald Ngala Utalii College – a stalled hospitality institution project dogged by allegations of corruption since construction started in 2010.

The college, situated in Kilifi County, is projected to educate around 3 000 graduates annually.

During her vetting in parliament, Miano vowed that construction of the college would be completed by October.

“I am glad that, eventually, the college will become operational and offer very much-needed training after many years. I will ensure that the timelines are adhered to.”

In his outgoing speech, Mutua urged Miano to build on the groundwork laid during his tenure and expressed confidence that the new Cabinet Secretary would bring a fresh perspective to the sector.

“I am confident that Cabinet Secretary Miano will build upon the momentum, especially through collaborations with counties, to drive tourism revenue growth. I wish her success in steering Kenya’s tourism sector to new heights.”

Kenya is aiming to attract three million tourists in 2024 – up from two million received in 2023.