At the recent launch of Kenya’s tourism recovery plans, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, outlined a vision of revitalizing the country’s tourism industry through strategic marketing and resource mobilization. Miano emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach, stating, “We are focused on being more organized and addressing the challenges ahead with a unified work plan.” She acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the sector, leading to a significant decline in visitor numbers.
However, Miano assured that the industry is now on a steady path to recovery, with the ministry setting an ambitious goal of attracting 2.5 million visitors in 2024. Looking further ahead, the target is to reach 3 million tourists by 2026 and 5 million by 2027. “Tourism is the leading earner of foreign currency for Kenya,” Miano pointed out. “We are committed to training our youth to become ambassadors for our country, as their innovation and creativity will be key to driving growth in this vital sector.”
Following her speech, the CS visited Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir to discuss the province’s role in the country’s tourism revival. Miano described the partnership with Mombasa as critical, noting the county’s status as one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations. “We are looking forward to working closely with the county to ensure a strong impact, especially with an increase in tourist arrivals,” she said.
Governor Nassir shared his vision for Mombasa’s continued development, specifically highlighting plans to enhance Mama Ngina Park. He expressed his hopes for the national government to transfer management of the park to the county, which would allow for more localized development. “This collaboration will lead to an influx of visitors, further solidifying Mombasa’s place as a premier destination,” Nassir remarked.
The Governor also touched on the newly launched tourism circuit, which is designed to unite various counties and create a cohesive strategy to boost regional tourism. “By bringing together teams from different areas, we aim to craft a unified approach that will showcase the best of what each county has to offer,” he said, underscoring the potential for a stronger, more integrated tourism strategy.
With these developments, both national and county leaders are optimistic that Kenya’s tourism sector will not only recover but thrive in the coming years. The combined efforts of all stakeholders, from government officials to local communities, will be key to achieving the country’s ambitious goals and ensuring that tourism remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy.
