CS-Tourism-na-Wildlife-Najib-Balala-during-a-tour-to-the-Global-Communication-trainig-Camp-in-Elgeyo-Marakwet-county
NAIROBI, Monday 5th October 2020– The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife will document all athletes in Kenya since independence to honour and to leverage on the global recognition they bring to the destination.
This was said by Tourism and wildlife CS Najib Balala when he visited the NOREB region counties of Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet where he toured sports training facilities and attractions.
CS Balala acknowledged that apart from the Big 5 which Kenya is known for, the destination’s image is globally recognized for her athlete’s prowess.
“Kenyan athletes make a big name for the destination overseas whenever they win, especially marathons. This is the reason we are embarking on re-looking our marketing strategies to align to this great resource we have as a destination. We are putting together a team to document all the athletes who have made Kenya proud since independence so as to honour and motivate upcoming athletes” Said CS Balala
The CS also added that the ministry is looking into identifying, developing, and marketing the region that is made up of 8 Counties including; Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, and Samburu), as a tourism hub.
“In order to properly open up this region, each county needs to identify two flagship products or experiences that can be conceptualized and marketed. Each county has its prime offerings, and the ministry will guide them in identifying and showcasing these products” added Balala.
Principle Secretary for Tourism Safina Kwekwe Tsungu reiterated:
“The potential is high. Our duty and privilege is to turn potential to wealth and enriching the livelihoods of the people residing in the NOREB region.”
Governors for Nandi Stephen Sang, Uasin Gishu Jackson Mandago and Elgeyo Marakwet Alex Torgos , who accompanied the CS said that the region has the potential for sports tourism, cultural tourism, and agro-tourism, and that they were looking forward to the partnership between the Ministry of tourism and Wildlife and NOREB to open up the region.