Love, Nature, and Nationhood: Miano Urges Kenyans to Embrace Magical Kenya This Valentine’s Day

 As Valentine’s Day approaches, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano is calling on Kenyans to redefine the season of love by turning their attention to local travel and shared experiences across the country’s iconic destinations.

In a message themed around “Love, Nature, and Nationhood,” Miano encouraged couples to move beyond traditional gifts and instead celebrate the day by exploring Kenya’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage under the banner of Magical Kenya.

“Valentine’s Day is globally recognized as a time to celebrate love, connection, and shared experiences,” Miano said. “Here in Kenya, we are uniquely positioned to transform this celebration of love into a celebration of country by embracing and promoting Magical Kenya.”

She highlighted tourism as not only a key economic driver but also a bridge that connects people to culture, heritage, and nature. By choosing local destinations, she noted, couples can strengthen their relationships while simultaneously supporting communities and conservation efforts.

From the sweeping savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the tranquil shores of Diani, the misty slopes of Mount Kenya, and the vibrant urban experiences in cities such as Nairobi, Miano said Kenya offers couples countless opportunities to create lasting memories.

“A sunrise game drive, a peaceful stroll along a white-sand beach, or a weekend retreat in our scenic highlands can create memories that endure far longer than material gifts,” she said.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that local tourism directly contributes to conservation, empowers small and medium-sized enterprises, and reinforces Kenya’s global standing as a premier travel destination. She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices aimed at protecting wildlife, forests, and marine ecosystems for future generations.

“Love is closely aligned with stewardship—the responsibility to care for what we cherish,” Miano said, linking environmental protection with national pride and long-term economic resilience.

She further noted that meaningful travel does not have to be extravagant. Across all 47 counties, Kenyans can access parks, cultural festivals, heritage sites, and community-based tourism initiatives that offer affordable yet enriching experiences.

As global travelers increasingly seek authentic and sustainable destinations, Miano said Kenyans themselves can lead by example.

“By choosing to travel locally, we send a powerful message—that we believe in our tourism product, value our cultural diversity, and are proud to showcase the very best of who we are,” she said.

This Valentine’s Day, she added, love can serve as both a personal celebration and a national opportunity—one that deepens relationships while strengthening the economy and safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage.

“There is something profoundly fitting about celebrating love in a land that offers some of the world’s most magical places to fall in love—with each other and with our nation,” Miano said.