Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has urged for a strategic alliance between the national government and Nyandarua County to elevate the region’s tourism profile. Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ol Kalou, CS Miano underscored the importance of collaborative initiatives aimed at attracting both local and international tourists, particularly through cultural heritage and sporting tourism. A key proposal presented at the forum involves seeking the support of the British High Commissioner to revitalize Nyandarua’s historic “Happy Valley” homes palatial residences once owned by British settlers into major tourist attractions. Miano believes these estates hold significant potential to attract descendants of the original owners and other heritage tourists interested in the colonial history of Kenya.
She praised Nyandarua’s captivating natural beauty, noting that its scenic landscapes, which range from lush highlands to serene valleys, could be developed into top-tier tourist destinations. The cabinet secretary stressed that tourism growth in the area would not only boost the local economy but also contribute significantly to Kenya’s national tourism targets. The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders including Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha, Deputy Governor Mwangi Mathaara, County Commissioner Abdrisack Jaldesa, officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and representatives from the hospitality sector. Their collective goal is to devise actionable strategies that will transform Nyandarua into a recognized hub for tourism, particularly in heritage and sports.
Governor Badilisha emphasized the county’s aspirations to become a leading destination for sports tourism, citing the region’s high-altitude terrain as ideal for training elite athletes. He appealed for the ministry’s support in facilitating infrastructure and marketing to attract international sports teams and enthusiasts. CS Miano acknowledged these opportunities and pledged the ministry’s assistance in developing tourism infrastructure and services to support this vision.
In her address, Miano also presented an optimistic outlook for Kenya’s overall tourism sector, which she described as a booming industry. She revealed that 2.4 million international tourists visited Kenya last year, generating Ksh 452 billion in revenue, a significant increase from Ksh 377 billion in the previous year. The government, she said, expects to attract three million tourists this year with projected earnings of Ksh 680 billion. By 2027, the ministry aims to bring in five million international visitors, potentially generating nearly Ksh 1 trillion in revenue, further solidifying tourism’s role in national economic growth.
However, she pointed out the need for Nyandarua’s hospitality sector to upgrade its services. Of the 29 hotels in the county that have been accredited by the Tourism Regulatory Authority, only two achieved a bronze rating. This, according to Miano, highlights the need for substantial improvement in accommodation standards and customer service if the county is to compete effectively as a tourist destination. Going forward, the ministry and county officials will work in tandem to address gaps in infrastructure, improve marketing strategies, and enhance the overall tourism experience in Nyandarua. By aligning with international partners such as the United Kingdom and leveraging local natural and cultural resources, Nyandarua stands poised to become a key player in Kenya’s expanding tourism landscape.
