Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has called on County governments to invest in improving and developing tourism products.
Speaking in Nakuru on Friday during the official opening of two day Africa Safari Summit, the CS stated that time is now for counties to start thinking about fixing, improving and diversifying tourism products.
“Products of tourism lies within the counties and needs to be developed. Therefore, I call on all governors to start thinking on that line and as a Ministry, we shall continue to engage on the same,” said Balala.
While noting that the industry relies more on security, sustainability and private sector, the CS revealed that already his Ministry is working closely with other stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for the tourism sector.
On the sustainability of the tourism industry in the country, the Balala noted that it is all about communities and that to ensure it benefits, then there is a need to ensure experience and eco-friendly environment.
He also called on the private sector to play a key role of steer wheeling the tourism industry in the country adding that his Ministry will continue working with all stakeholders on the same.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on his part noted that Nakuru was a key tourism circuit.
He added that in line with the theme of the symposium 'Re-imagining the African Safari' Nakuru is best placed as a venue for the discussion with its three national parks and five lakes; Nakuru, Naivasha, Elementaita, Oloiden and Solai.
“As Nakuru town prepares to be elevated to a City, the County Government is working closely with the private sector to promote the tourism sector,” he said.
“On behalf of governors, I want to say that we are ready to that which pertains us in ensuring that Kenya tops in the tourism sector,” added Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tunai who is also the Chairman of Tourism in the Council of Governors.
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