This ambitious target is part of a broader strategy to enhance local travel, strengthen the tourism sector, and boost the economy. Miano emphasized that the government is implementing a series of marketing campaigns and developing attractive domestic tourism packages to encourage more Kenyans to explore their country.
With the tourism sector experiencing significant recovery and growth, there has been an increased interest in domestic travel among Kenyans. Miano noted that last year, five million domestic tourists visited various facilities across the country, a significant increase compared to previous years. This surge in local tourism has been attributed to efforts by the government and stakeholders to promote local travel experiences. However, she pointed out that the number of domestic tourists may be even higher than reported since many visitors stay in guest houses and Airbnbs, which are not always included in official government records.
The tourism sector’s strong performance has also been reflected in revenue growth, with earnings from international visitors reaching Ksh 452 billion last year, up from Ksh 377 billion in 2023. This 20 percent increase has been credited to aggressive marketing efforts and the diversification of tourism products. The government is now aiming to increase international arrivals to three million this year, up from 2.4 million in the previous year. To achieve this, Kenya has expanded its tourism marketing efforts to new markets, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Australia, while maintaining strong visitor numbers from the United States and Uganda. Additionally, China and India remain resilient markets for Kenyan tourism.
Miano made these remarks while commissioning the newly refurbished Maasai Mara Research Centre in Narok County, highlighting the government’s commitment to both conservation and tourism development. The Maasai Mara, known globally for its breathtaking wildlife and the Great Migration, continues to attract thousands of tourists every year, and the government is keen on enhancing research and conservation efforts in the reserve.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between his administration and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, which has been formalized through a new framework agreement. He noted that the partnership is a critical step in strengthening research and monitoring within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Despite the Maasai Mara’s legacy of ecological research, Ntutu stressed the need to ensure that scientific findings translate into practical conservation strategies. In the past, much of the research conducted in the reserve has not always been applied effectively to its management.
To address this gap, the county government is investing in human capital by recruiting reserve ecologists and veterinary experts who will play a vital role in conservation efforts. Ntutu emphasized that this move underscores the county’s dedication to evidence-based decision-making in managing the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
The event was attended by key figures in the tourism and wildlife sectors, including Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, Wildlife Research and Training Institute chairperson David Nkedienye, WRTI CEO Patrick Omondi, and Narok County’s executive in charge of tourism, Jackson Sipitiek. Their presence underscored the importance of the initiatives being undertaken to strengthen both tourism and conservation in the region.
With these strategic efforts, the government remains optimistic about meeting its ambitious targets for both domestic and international tourism. The push for increased local travel, coupled with a focus on sustainability and conservation, is expected to drive growth in the industry, ultimately benefiting local communities and the national economy.
