Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma has said that his government will involve elders in mapping out heritage sites.
Speaking during Madaraka day celebrations Ranguma said this is one of the strategies the county is set to use to market tourism sites in the region.
Ranguma noted that after the county has finished the tourism site mapping, it will embark on an aggressive marketing strategy.
“We are seeking to showcase Kisumu as the epicentre of the Western Kenya tourism circuit,” said Ranguma.
Among area which the county is planning to gazzett as tourist and cultural sites include Kit Mikayi, Luanda Magere, Thim Lich Ohinga, Ndere Island Park and Kisumu Museum.
“We have also completed the design works for the beautification of the lakefront, and actual beautification works is set to begin with the assistance from UNHABITAT and the Government of Israel,” notes Ranguma.
Ranguma said that involving elders in the programme, will be able to reveal the county´s rich culture.
The county’s tourism potential improved when it hosted the second devolution conference in April.
“Our first bid to establish conference tourism was successful as we easily accommodated over 6, 000 guests during the second annual devolution conference,” said Ranguma.
He urged both foreign and local investors to tap into the tourism industry in the region as it is a sector that has potential which is yet to be tapped fully.
“We must pay attention on tourism. The jobs and foreign currency which tourism generates will strongly influence our economy,” said the governor.
The county’s department of tourism is also working on revamping the art sector to boost culture in the region and make it more attractive to the locals and foreign tourists.
The cultural centre at Kanyakwar with a big auditorium is poised to be a focal point of cultural preservation and artistic development.
“This will be replicated in the seven sub-counties to tap into unlimited arts potential of our youth across the county. We have succeeded in ensuring a rich menu of weekend performances, which engage the youth positively,” said Ranguma.