The national government intends to collaborate with the Nyandarua county government to promote tourism in the region.
According to Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, promoting tourism in Nyandarua is crucial for economic growth, job creation and conservation of its natural and cultural resources, as the county is home to unique features like The Aberdare National Park, Kenya’s only highland lake Ol-Bolosat, and historical sites such as the Mau Mau Caves and the Happy Valleys Homes.
Nyandarua Governor Dr. Kiarie Badilisha has said that to realize Nyandarua’s true value in tourism, the County Administration is putting in place a tourism legal and policy framework to guide the mapping, profiling, promotion, product diversification and investment opportunities in the sector.
The duo spoke at Ol-Kalou town during a tourism stakeholders’ forum meant to look into ways of unlocking Nyandarua’s tourism potential as a unique tourist destination, both locally and internationally and as a key economic sector.
The deliberations were part of a continuation of the ongoing partnership between the two levels of government in the sector.
The CS noted that the Kenyan government actively supports the tourism industry, recognizing its potential as a key driver of economic growth.
While admitting the great tourism potential that Nyandarua County possesses that remains untapped, Miano underscored the need to promote tourism products in the region to benefit the community.
“There is a need to diversify other source markets for tourism both locally and internationally.
“In Kenya, the government aims to partner with counties to map out the tourism products to develop them and help in diversification,” said Miano.
The CS Miano observed that the country’s tourism sector is now on an upward trajectory since last year receiving over 2.4 million international visitors, adding that on domestic tourism, more needed to be done.
She challenged the county government to have clear work plans to implement the various recommendations and collaborate with the national government, development partners and other key stakeholders.
By Antony Mwangi
