Trans Nzoia Marks World Tourism Day with Call for Sustainable Transformation

Trans Nzoia County joined the world in celebrating World Tourism Day with colorful events held at the Kitale Museum, focusing on the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: An Agent of Positive Change.”

The celebrations brought together county leaders, tourism stakeholders, hoteliers, and residents to reflect on how to grow the tourism sector while protecting the environment.

To underscore the day’s sustainability message, the Department of Tourism organized a cycling and walking procession across Kitale town. Dozens of participants, including county officials and community members, pedaled through the streets, symbolizing the county’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly tourism.

County Secretary Madam Truphosa Amere described the day as a chance to showcase the county’s unique tourism offerings.

“Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to highlight what Trans Nzoia has to offer. This county is richly endowed—cosmopolitan in culture, diverse in biodiversity—and in the last two years, many hotels and restaurants have opened their doors,” she said.

Amere assured residents that the County Government is committed to strengthening the tourism sector, adding:

“His Excellency the Governor has already set aside funds to renovate the Kitale Museum and expand the number of animals and other species available for display.”

The CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Eliud Tormoi, underscored the importance of positioning Trans Nzoia as a tourism hub in the North Rift.

“Trans Nzoia has so many sites that prove it is a true home of tourism. Sustainable transformation must recognize and celebrate our cultural richness. We also plan to partner with neighboring counties to create a regional tourism circuit,” he said, adding that hotels and resorts must align with modern standards while retaining cultural authenticity.

Chief Officer Madam Jane Wachwenge lauded the use of bicycles during the event, urging young people to take the lead in shaping the future of sustainable tourism.

“Our youth are at the center of this transformation. By embracing practices such as cycling and eco-friendly tourism, they not only safeguard the environment but also create opportunities for future generations,” she emphasized.

Tourism Director Catherine Kerubo echoed the importance of reducing emissions in tourism activities.

“There is a lot of pollution caused by vehicles. As a department, we chose to promote cycling and walking to protect our environment,” she said.

The day concluded with a call for residents to embrace domestic tourism by visiting Trans Nzoia’s cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Various hotels and tourism stakeholders also partnered with the county government to showcase their services, with the cycling and walking caravan making stopovers at Katakala, Grand Tenacity, Saiwa Resort, West Side Hotels, and Super Break Hotels.

Leaders affirmed that sustainability will remain central to the county’s tourism growth, positioning Trans Nzoia as a vibrant, eco-conscious destination in Kenya’s tourism landscape.