Kenya, Jordan sign tourism pact for shared growth
EVERLYNE KILONZO and HEZEKIEL GIKAMBI (PCOs)
Kenya and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector.
The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano said the agreement marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
It underscores their shared commitment to promoting tourism for economic empowerment, job creation, and cultural exchange, she added.
“We recognize the importance of tourism not just as a source of foreign exchange, but as a sector that creates jobs and directly impacts people's lives in line with the BETA agenda. It is one of the sectors I often refer to as a low-hanging fruit because of its immense potential,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that both in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector has shown an upward trajectory.
"We all need to work together to ensure we increase both the numbers of tourists and the earnings, ensuring communities also benefit directly," she added.
Drawing inspiration from Jordan’s success, Miano said Jordan, with a population of 11 million, attracts approximately six million tourists annually, a striking 2:1 ratio that Kenya aspires to emulate.
“With a population nearing 55 million, Kenya welcomed 2.4 million visitors based on current data. Our target is to grow this figure to at least five million visitors annually by 2027,” she noted.
The CS expressed confidence that the MOU will provide a platform for mutual learning and cooperation, helping Kenya move closer to achieving its ambitious targets.
"This memorandum will help strengthen our collaboration as we work on diversifying tourism products that provide value to travelers," she concluded.
The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Kenya, Mr. Firas Khouri, hailed the signing as a key milestone and a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.
“This is a proud and happy moment for us. We have worked very hard over the years to arrive at this agreement. Jordan, as the holy land, boasts numerous religious and historic sites such as the Jordan River where Jesus Christ was baptized and Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land,” Ambassador Khouri remarked.
Khouri stressed the importance of South-South collaboration, noting that both nations stand to benefit from close cooperation. “We have extensive expertise in tourism, covering sectors such as medical, religious, and leisure tourism, which we are happy to share.
“Tourism contributes nearly 50 per cent to Jordan’s GDP. This MOU will allow Jordan and Kenya to pioneer stronger relations in East Africa and the Middle East, regardless of global challenges,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Joseph Masila, the Deputy Director at the Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, reflected on the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Kenya and Jordan established diplomatic relations in November 1964. Jordan opened its mission in Nairobi in 2016. While Kenya does not yet have an embassy in Jordan, we maintain a consul there, which plays a critical role in promoting tourism and strengthening linkages between our two countries,” Ambassador Masila stated.
He noted that beyond the economic benefits, the agreement will also promote people-to-people relations, including cultural exchanges and other forms of collaboration.
The event was also attended by leaders and representatives from the ministry’s SAGAs and other senior government officers from both the State Departments of Tourism and Wildlife.