Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to repositioning Kenya’s coastal tourism sector as a premier global destination.
In a statement she issued through her socials after attending Tourism Investors’ Forum held virtually in Diani, Miano described the meeting as “a crucial step towards a rejuvenated Kenya’s coastal tourism sector.”
A Tourism Powerhouse
Kenya’s coastline remains a key driver of the country’s tourism economy, welcoming nearly 60% of all international leisure tourists. According to Miano, the coastal circuit generates over KSh 100 billion annually and supports thousands of livelihoods.
“Our goal is to surpass global standards and ensure the Kenyan Coast remains competitive,” she said.
Joint Efforts to Overcome Challenges
While acknowledging challenges facing the sector, Miano struck an optimistic tone, citing the joint efforts between government and private stakeholders.
“We appreciate the challenges facing our coastal tourism circuit, but we’re optimistic. The government and private sector are working together to tackle these surmountable challenges,” she noted.
Investment and Incentives
The CS highlighted ongoing measures to boost investment, including affordable credit financing, attractive incentives, streamlined licensing processes, and upgraded infrastructure.She further revealed that governments, investors, and regulators are working together to validate a pipeline of projects that will be showcased at the upcoming Kenya Coast Tourism Investment Conference in Nairobi this September.
Mobilizing Domestic Investors
In addition to foreign partnerships, Miano emphasized the importance of domestic capital, noting efforts to mobilize pension funds and banks to reinvest in the sector.
“We are building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive sector,” she said.
Call for Collaboration
The CS concluded with a rallying call to both local and international investors.
“We are open for business and ready for partnership. This forum marks the start of collaborative efforts, and we are ready to collaborate, reinvest, re-imagine, and reposition our tourism assets to surpass global standards. Let’s restore our Kenyan Coast’s status as a premier global destination!”
According to a 2024 World Bank report on Kenya’s tourism sector, coastal destinations contribute nearly 60% of all leisure tourist arrivals and generate more than Ksh 100 billion annually, making them critical for national revenue, employment, and regional development. Experts warn, however, that climate change, overdevelopment, and infrastructure gaps remain significant risks unless addressed through sustainable investment and conservation efforts.
