By Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife
As this year’s Jamhuri Week celebrations continue , the spotlight is firmly on Kenya’s vibrant tourism sector—a pillar of national pride and economic growth.
In line with President William Ruto’s commitment to making tourism a national priority, the government has set aside four full days at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where Tourism Week is currently underway.
This ongoing celebration is offering a unique and timely platform for the sector to showcase its resilience, creativity, and diversity.
Jamhuri Week has always represented our journey to freedom, unity, and national identity. By aligning Tourism Week with these national celebrations, we are intentionally bringing to life the stories, experiences, and innovations that define Kenya’s place on the global tourism map.
Guided by President Ruto’s agenda to elevate the sector’s contribution to the economy, this year’s Tourism Week has gone a step further: it has opened its doors to a wide range of tourism exhibitors who are actively shaping the industry’s future.
From community conservancies and eco-lodges to tour operators, travel technology innovators, cultural artisans, county tourism boards, and hospitality brands, exhibitors from every corner of the country are currently showcasing their unique contributions.
This diversity is not symbolic—it is strategic. By giving these exhibitors an active platform during a national celebration, we are demonstrating that Kenya’s tourism success is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—core principles upheld by the President’s tourism development agenda.
As the events at KICC continue, thousands of attendees—both local and international—are engaging with these exhibitors, learning about new products, discovering emerging destinations, and gaining insight into the evolving tourism landscape.
This exposure is invaluable. It strengthens market linkages, fosters new partnerships, and amplifies Kenya’s tourism potential at a time when global competition is intensifying.
The ongoing Tourism Week also highlights the sector’s transformation. Kenya is increasingly recognized not only for its wildlife and scenic landscapes, but also for its leadership in sustainable tourism, its expanding adventure and cultural tourism markets, and its rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment.
Exhibitors at KICC are demonstrating these advancements through live demonstrations, cultural showcases, panel discussions, and experiential installations that reflect the sector’s innovation and ambition—advancements strongly supported by President Ruto’s push for sector modernization.
Equally important, Tourism Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the people behind these experiences. The exhibitors represent thousands of Kenyans whose daily work sustains the sector—from guides and conservationists to entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
As Jamhuri Week unfolds, their stories and contributions remind us that tourism is not just an industry; it is a living expression of our national identity.
Ultimately, the ongoing celebrations underscore Kenya’s commitment—steered by the President’s prioritization of tourism—to strengthening the sector as a driver of economic opportunity.
The four days dedicated at KICC are not merely symbolic; they are a clear investment in the sector’s future.
By offering a platform for diverse exhibitors, inspiring domestic participation, and showcasing the breadth of Kenya’s offerings, Tourism Week is reinforcing our national vision for a vibrant and globally competitive tourism industry.
As the festivities continue, I invite all Kenyans to engage with the exhibitors, explore the innovation on display, and take pride in the dynamic tourism landscape that defines our nation.
