Rebecca Miano Urges East Africa’s Youth to Lead the Future of Tourism

By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has challenged East Africa’s youth to take charge of the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Speaking at the inaugural Future Leaders Challenge East Africa Edition at Strathmore University, Miano emphasized the vital role young leaders will play in shaping the economy and society. The event brought together students, educators, and industry stakeholders to explore ways of building a stronger, more resilient tourism sector.
While noting that tourism accounts for nearly 10% of Kenya’s GDP, Miano said the sector’s full potential remains untapped. She urged young people to embrace innovation and creativity to unlock new opportunities.
“The future of tourism is in your hands,” she told attendees. “We must nurture leaders who can turn challenges into opportunities.”
Miano also called for greater collaboration between educational institutions and the industry to equip youth with the skills and global perspectives needed to succeed. She emphasized that empowering young people is crucial for creating a sustainable future for East Africa’s tourism industry.
She further praised the Kenyan team selected for the Future Leaders Challenge Finals in Dubai, commending their dedication to representing the country internationally.
Miano reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong support for youth empowerment initiatives, pledging to continue creating opportunities for young leaders to thrive.