NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 28 – The Ministry of Tourism will align its strategy to the government manifesto on the revival of the tourism business to achieve the potential the sector has in improving the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage Hon. Penina Malonza said the ministry will adopt new but tested strategies to turn around the sector.
“We have to align to the new operating environment, there is no time to drag on implementation of these new strategies and quick wins that will put the sector on track, “Hon. Malonza pointed out.
She added that the industry is ever faced with a changing environment and that there was a need to embrace the changes. “For instance, millennials are seeking new experiences through adventure & sports, & it is our duty to design niche products to cater for them.” She added
She said that the addition of the Heritage department under her Ministry will help consolidate gains and other opportunities that the country is known for in as far as heritage and cultural showcases were concerned.
The CS was speaking at her NSSF offices during the handover ceremony by the outgoing CS Najib Balala. In attendance were Principal Secretary, State Department of Tourism Zeinab Hussein, and her State Department of Wildlife counterpart Dr. Susan Koech among other ministry officials.
CS Malonza thanked Balala for steering the Ministry and promised to hit the ground running in implementing the Ministry’s vision and strategies.
“I want to thank Hon. Balala for sharing with me insights about the industry and I want to assure Kenyans that we shall work towards propelling the industry to new heights,” she said
Balala underscored the role of the sector in the growth country’s GDP and praised the private sector for the support he received during his tenure in the ministry
The growth of the sector, he pointed out, has been through many challenges from insecurity and lately Covid-19 pandemic adding that the support from the private sector has helped in mitigating the negative consequences.
“We have surmounted many challenges, our strategies have worked and we have learned on more and new strategies. I take this opportunity to thank the private sector for their contribution in this journey” says Balala.
