NAIROBI, Kenya – September 17, 2024 – Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, EGH, has underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in bolstering the country’s tourism and wildlife sectors as part of the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA). Speaking after a high-level meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Ms. Miano highlighted the untapped potential that can be unlocked through collaboration with international partners.
During the meeting, which took place on Monday afternoon, the CS discussed areas of mutual interest aimed at driving economic transformation. The discussions revolved around how strengthened partnerships could lead to sustainable tourism growth and improved wildlife management, two critical pillars of Kenya’s economy.
“Within our Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda, there’s ample room for strategic partnerships in different sectors of our economy,” said Ms. Miano. “The potential heralded by revamped tourism and improved wildlife management would benefit greatly from such partnerships,” she added.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s team expressed keen interest in collaborating with Kenya to support the government’s efforts to revitalize the tourism industry. This comes at a crucial time as the country seeks to recover from the global pandemic’s impact on tourism while also advancing wildlife conservation efforts.
Miano also highlighted that Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sectors are vital contributors to the national economy and local livelihoods. By leveraging international cooperation, she believes that Kenya can enhance conservation practices, improve community participation, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
The United Nations has long been a partner in Kenya’s development, and the meeting is expected to foster new initiatives focused on eco-friendly tourism, wildlife protection, and biodiversity conservation.
Kenya’s Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda, championed by President William Ruto’s administration, aims to uplift key sectors of the economy by empowering communities and creating sustainable growth opportunities. Tourism, a critical driver of employment and foreign exchange, is set to play a pivotal role in this broader national strategy.
As the tourism sector continues to recover and evolve, such partnerships are expected to pave the way for long-term resilience and sustainable growth in Kenya’s wildlife and tourism industries.