Kenya targets 5m visitors annually by 2027 in ambitious tourism plan

AHMED ELMAWI AND ALICE GWORO-KNA

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is targeting five million visitors annually by 2027 in its strategic plan—an ambitious goal aimed at positioning Kenya as a premier global tourism destination while safeguarding its natural heritage.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, stated that the strategic plan serves as a blueprint for collective success, guiding the effective delivery of pledges and securing the future of Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sectors.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Wildlife, Silvia Museiya, emphasized the critical role of community collaboration in achieving the goals.

“The State Department for Wildlife relies heavily on communities to safeguard our natural heritage. The success of our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan depends on close collaboration between the government and local communities to ensure sustainable conservation efforts,” she said.

On behalf of the tourism sector, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, called for action to achieve the deliverables in the strategic plan. “The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan is a result of thorough development and collaboration. 

Now, it is time to move from planning to action. Success lies in our collective commitment to implement its strategies and achieve sustainable growth in tourism and wildlife,” he said.

The Strategic Plan outlines key initiatives such as enhancing skills development, improving MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) infrastructure, and launching a National Tourism Steering Committee to develop a comprehensive National Tourism Strategy.

The plan also outlines the operationalization of the Ronald NgalaUtalii College and envisions transforming Kenya Utalii College into a global centre of excellence to equip the workforce with worldclass hospitality skills.

These efforts are expected to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth. CS Miano also unveiled the ‘Youth in Tourism and Conservation Initiative’, designed to empower young Kenyans through innovation and sustainable tourism practices.

“Kenya’s youth, who form 70 percent of our population, are central to our efforts. Their engagement is vital to the future of tourism and conservation,” she emphasized. The initiative will focus on key areas such as innovation and technology, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural tourism.