Rebecca Miano To Champion Growth For Kenya’s Tourism & Wildlife Sectors

New Tourism & Wildlife CS Outlines Vision For Economic Boost, Policy Reform & Enhanced Conservation Efforts

NAIROBI – WEDNESDAY, 14th AUGUST 2024: Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s newly appointed Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, has outlined a forward-looking vision for the country’s tourism sector. During her official handover ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife headquarters in Nairobi, CS Miano emphasized her commitment to unlocking the vast potential of Kenya’s tourism industry. She plans to spearhead efforts to update the National Tourism Policy to align with evolving trends and tourist preferences, highlighting the sector’s significant role in economic development.

CS Alferd Mutua who now heads the Minstry of Labour hands over office to incoming Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secreatry Rebecca Miano at the Ministry offices

In her address, CS Miano articulated her priority to enhance tourism earnings to support Kenya’s economic transformation and job creation objectives. She expressed her intention to engage with key stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of tourism and wildlife conservation are more equitably distributed across the country. She also plans to address human-wildlife conflicts through consultations with sector players and to promote a more inclusive economic model.

CS Miano stressed the need for product diversification to meet contemporary demands and strengthen Kenya’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. She affirmed that the Ministry would work closely with stakeholders to harness the sector’s potential for both domestic and international tourism. Additionally, she aims to foster a culture of domestic tourism and leverage modern technology to enhance the travel industry, thereby increasing tourist numbers and enriching visitor experiences.

Tourism remains a critical source of foreign exchange for Kenya, with earnings rising to Ksh352.6 billion in 2023, up from Ksh268.1 billion the previous year—a 31.5% increase. The Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is collaborating with county governments to develop niche tourism circuits, a move that CS Miano believes will transform the sector.

CS Miano also highlighted the importance of retooling wildlife conservation efforts to address challenges like climate change and to safeguard Kenya’s diverse wildlife heritage. She emphasized the need for synergy with county governments and an investment-friendly environment to boost tourism across the country. “My door is open for all sector players as we seek partnerships beneficial to the industry,” she added.

Outgoing CS Alfred Mutua praised the groundwork laid during his tenure, particularly initiatives aimed at uncovering Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures. He expressed confidence in CS Miano’s ability to build on this momentum and drive tourism revenue growth through collaborations with counties.

New CS for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano ( second left) when she took over Office from CS Alfred Mutua. They are joined by PS for Tourism John Ololtua (L) and PS for Wildlife Silvya Museiya (R).

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