Government-Backed Initiatives Put Young Kenyans At The Heart Of A Thriving Tourism Economy
Kenya has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in youth empowerment within the global tourism industry, with a remarkable 70% of its tourism workforce now made up of young people; significantly outpacing the global average of 50%, according to a new UN report titled “A Youth-Led Recovery of Global Tourism.”
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano lauded the milestone, describing it as a reflection of Kenya’s unwavering commitment to creating sustainable employment for its youth while revitalizing the national economy. “Tourism is one of the sectors the government is prioritizing to bridge the unemployment gap among our youth and provide long-lasting opportunities,” she stated.
CS Miano was speaking at the launch of the East Africa Future Leaders Challenge (EA FLC), a premier regional initiative under the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Future Leaders Platform. The two-day event, hosted at Strathmore University, brings together youth from across East Africa for a series of workshops, panel discussions, and leadership challenges aimed at nurturing the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders.
Young people in Kenya’s tourism sector are already making a major impact, contributing in diverse roles, from driver-tour guides and waitstaff to managers of eco-tourism facilities and wildlife rangers safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage. “We are committed to producing a skilled and capable workforce that can drive Kenya’s tourism sector and economy forward,” said CS Miano.
She also emphasized the need to leverage technology and innovation, noting that Kenya’s tech-savvy youth are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in transforming the tourism industry and stepping into future leadership roles. “With their innovation and energy, our youth are poised to redefine tourism in Kenya,” she added.
Winners of the EA FLC will receive recognition, awards, and opportunities to represent East Africa on global platforms, further cementing the region’s reputation as a hub for hospitality excellence.
CS Miano also underscored the government’s broader vision to enhance the tourism experience at every touchpoint. This includes recent improvements at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where a customer service charter was unveiled to streamline traveler services. Additionally, she noted ongoing efforts toward product and experience diversification to meet the evolving preferences of today’s global traveler.
“As we empower our youth and innovate across the board, we remain focused on delivering world-class experiences to every visitor,” she concluded.
With young people leading the way, Kenya’s tourism sector is not just growing, it’s thriving.
Tourism News
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