Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has emphasized the need for collaboration between her ministry and the Nyandarua County Government to unlock the region’s tourism potential. Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Ol Kalou, Miano proposed a joint initiative with the British High Commissioner to transform the historical Happy Valley homes into major tourist attractions.
The Happy Valley homes, once owned by British settlers, hold historical significance and could attract descendants seeking to reconnect with their heritage. “Nyandarua is a county of immense beauty, with natural landscapes that can be developed into premier tourist destinations,” Miano stated during the forum.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha, Deputy Governor Mwangi Mathaara, County Commissioner Abdrisack Jaldesa, officials from the Tourism and Wildlife Ministry, and members of the hospitality industry. Governor Badilisha urged the ministry to support Nyandarua’s bid to become a prime sporting tourism destination, citing its high-altitude terrain, which is ideal for training elite athletes.
CS Miano acknowledged the county’s vast tourism potential and pledged her ministry’s support in developing various attractions. She also highlighted the overall growth of Kenya’s tourism industry, revealing that 2.4 million international tourists visited the country last year, generating Ksh 452 billion in revenue—an increase from Ksh 377 billion the previous year. Projections for 2024 suggest the arrival of three million tourists, with revenue expected to hit Ksh 680 billion. By 2027, the government aims to attract five million international visitors and generate close to Ksh 1 trillion in revenue.
However, Miano challenged Nyandarua’s hospitality sector to improve its facilities, pointing out that only two out of 29 hotels accredited by the Tourism Regulatory Authority received a bronze ranking.
To ensure the county fully taps into its rich tourism resources, the ministry and county leadership will now collaborate on enhancing infrastructure, marketing, and tourism services. With improved facilities and strategic promotion, Nyandarua could emerge as a key player in Kenya’s growing tourism sector.
