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The National Assembly’s Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, led by Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara Constituency), held a pivotal meeting on Tuesday to address the challenges facing Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sectors amid significant budget cuts. The session included discussions with Dr. Patrick Omondi, CEO of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Mr. David Mwangi, Acting CEO of the Tourism Fund, and Mr. James Mwaura, CEO of the Kenya International Convention Centre.
As Kenya navigates financial constraints, the committee stressed the need for innovation, strategic initiatives, and enhanced accountability to ensure that the tourism and wildlife sectors continue to contribute to the nation’s economy.
Hon. Mbiuki opened the meeting by highlighting the critical need to prioritize efforts in these sectors, given their immense potential to drive economic growth. “Kenya’s tourism potential is immense, but we must prioritize our efforts, especially in times of financial constraints. Our goal is to ensure that every shilling spent yields maximum benefit for our people and our economy,” he stated.
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the poor housing conditions for workers in Naivasha. Dr. Omondi pointed out that these substandard living conditions negatively impact employee morale and the sustainability of conservation and tourism projects. “Improving the living standards of our workers is not just a matter of welfare; it’s essential for the success of our conservation and tourism efforts,” he emphasized.
The committee also discussed strategies to engage local youth in tourism-related projects, particularly in Tsavo. Mr. Mwangi emphasized the dual benefits of this approach: “By involving the youth, we are not only creating jobs but also fostering a generation that is invested in conservation and tourism management. This approach is a win-win, offering both employment and skill development opportunities.”
Hon. Chome (Voi) raised the importance of involving local communities in tourism projects, ensuring that they are not just consulted but actively engaged in initiatives that directly impact their livelihoods. He called for careful scrutiny of grants allocated to community projects like Mama Ngina, emphasizing the need to ensure that funds are used effectively to benefit those most in need.
Accountability in the use of public funds was a central theme in the discussions, with committee members expressing concern over the delays in completing certain projects, such as those initiated in Thome. Hon. Kawanjiku, the committee’s Vice-chairperson, underscored the need for timely project completion to maximize impact. “Delays in project completion are unacceptable. We must ensure that projects are finished within the allocated budget cycle to maximize their impact,” she asserted.
Looking forward, the committee explored innovative ideas to boost tourism in Kenya. Among the proposals was the introduction of a cable car on Mt. Kenya, which Dr. Omondi suggested could significantly enhance the mountain’s appeal as a tourist destination, attracting adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Another innovative proposal discussed was the farming and breeding of turtles, which have significant medicinal value. However, current laws would need to be amended to allow turtles to be farmed legally. Dr. Omondi noted that this could open new avenues for sustainable tourism and conservation.
The committee also addressed the management of parks, particularly in Mombasa, suggesting that their management be transferred to the county government for better upkeep. Hon. Mugabe explained that decentralizing park management could lead to more effective, locally tailored strategies, enhancing the visitor experience.
As the committee plans upcoming visits to key sites such as Malindi, their focus will be on ensuring that ongoing projects are on track and delivering on their promises. “This is not just about making incremental improvements,” said Hon. Mugabe. “It’s about transforming Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sectors into engines of sustainable growth. The time for action is now.”
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to implement strategic reforms that will not only address current challenges but also position Kenya as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
