By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has reaffirmed that the United States remains Kenya’s largest tourist source market, with the latest 2024 report showing that American visitors account for 12.8% of all international arrivals.
Speaking during a high-profile engagement on Monday morning, Miano expressed the government’s keen focus on expanding these numbers, as Kenya continues to position itself as a global tourism powerhouse.
“We are focused on scaling these numbers as we continue growing and diversifying the sector,” said Miano, noting the US market’s pivotal role in boosting Kenya’s tourism earnings and global visibility.
Beyond the travel sector, Miano heaped praise on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its steadfast support in Kenya’s conservation efforts. She acknowledged the agency’s instrumental role in community-based wildlife protection initiatives and the ongoing war against the illicit wildlife trade.
“The US, through USAID-Kenya, has been phenomenal in supporting our conservation journey. Their input has empowered local communities to protect wildlife while significantly strengthening Kenya’s fight against wildlife trafficking,” Miano remarked.
The Cabinet Secretary earlier hosted senior USAID officials led by Ambassador Mark Dillard for a strategic meeting aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. Discussions centered on expanding existing collaborations and exploring new frontiers in tourism, conservation, and community empowerment.
“As a government, we are truly indebted to USAID for the substantial support extended to Kenya. Today’s discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment, and we are optimistic about unlocking even more impactful partnership opportunities moving forward,” she added.
Miano’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is aggressively marketing itself in the international arena, leveraging partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and targeted campaigns to drive up tourist arrivals and strengthen conservation outcomes.
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