Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said Kenya is embracing technology, artificial intelligence and community-led initiatives to transform the country’s tourism sector and position local destinations on the global stage.

Speaking during the 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations in Eldoret, Miano said the event in Uasin Gishu marked an important milestone in advancing a modern and sustainable tourism model anchored on technology, conservation and community participation. The celebrations ran from September 23 to 27 at the University of Eldoret under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Miano said digital platforms and smart technologies are changing how travellers discover, plan and experience destinations, creating opportunities for Kenya to showcase its diverse tourism products to wider markets.

She highlighted emerging applications including AI-driven wildlife monitoring, smart agro-tourism platforms and youth-led digital initiatives such as “Tembea North Rift,” which she said can help promote grassroots creators, artisans, community projects and eco-tourism initiatives.

The CS also pointed to conservation and environmental restoration as key components of the country’s tourism strategy, with activities during the tourism week including tree planting and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development.

Miano said the Government’s tourism agenda is supported by President William Ruto’s focus on infrastructure development, private-sector investment, youth empowerment, domestic tourism and environmental conservation, including the national tree-growing programme.

She said combining culture, sports, conservation and digital innovation would enable Kenya to develop new tourism experiences while opening opportunities for young people and communities.

The World Tourism Day celebrations also placed the North Rift in focus, with Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok saying the region has potential to emerge as a major tourism circuit through sports, culture, nature, agro-tourism and improved connectivity.

The week-long programme in Eldoret showcased the region’s tourism, cultural and sporting potential, including Kenya’s athletics heritage, while promoting the use of technology to market destinations and attract visitors.

Miano said the integration of AI, culture, sports, conservation and community innovation provides a pathway for Kenya to build a more sustainable and digitally connected tourism sector.