Kenya is poised to enhance its tourism offerings after unveiling nine regional circuits.
This signifies a renewed emphasis on domestic travel under the Tembea Kenya initiative.
The move aims to discover gems and reinvent experiences in domestic and international tourism.
The nine circuits, covering all 47 counties, include Nairobi, Central Kenya, Coastal, Northern, Western, Southern, North Rift, South Rift and Eastern.
Each circuit will highlight iconic attractions to diversify and enhance the experience.
Speaking during the launch in Kisumu, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano said the circuits are designed to cater to current demands and emerging trends while aligning with conservation priorities.
"We have incorporated emerging niches such as adventure, sports, culture, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and other segments. Every region has a unique reason to visit and we encourage travellers to savour the diverse experiences," she said.
The CS said the Ministry will invest in marketing campaigns as part of the broader Tembea Kenya agenda, which remains the flagship programme for boosting domestic tourism.
“As we unveil the nine tourism circuits, I call upon Kenyans to showcase the best of their home regions through photography. We shall invite Kenyans to share and showcase the best of their regions through a photo contest."
The CS also lauded Kisumu County — part of the Western Tourism Circuit — for hosting the Kenya Tourism Week celebrations.
The week-long celebrations showcased Kisumu's unique tourist attractions including Ndere Island and Kajulu Hills.
Programmes championed by the youth included street art and a hackathon that showcases skills and innovation.
Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu who chairs the Council of Governors’ Tourism and Wildlife Committee, urged increased government allocation.
Ntutu said tourism, if well harnessed, could become the largest contributor to the GDP and a major source of employment for the youth.
"I will champion the prioritisation of tourism by all counties as part of tapping into the circuits that cut across counties".
Tourism PS John Ololtuaa said circuits will strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and counties to address gaps and ensure growth.
“This strategy will allow us to work more closely with counties to enhance destination competitiveness. We want to increase bed nights, longer stays, repeat visits, and an enhanced visitor experience".
The circuits will help us focus our efforts accordingly,” said PS Ololtua
On her part, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei said KTB will market the circuits and play a pivotal role in creating more opportunities.
This will drive inclusive growth and solidify Kenya's status as a must-visit destination.
During the event, various awards were given out. The categories include the Start-up Company of the Year, Conservation Champion of the Year, Travel Content Creator of the Year, Peace Advocate and the Community Impact award.
The youth-organized hackathon saw the emergence of a solution for conference packaging leveraging technology.
Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, reiterated that the circuits will strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and counties to address gaps and ensure growth.
“This strategy will allow us to work more closely with counties to enhance destination competitiveness across all our regions. We want increased bed nights, longer stays and repeat visits.
