Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has revealed that the government will intensify its efforts to bolster wildlife conservation and tourism development by carrying out coordinated planning and infrastructure mapping initiatives on a national scale.
Speaking at a meeting with senior government officials, the Cabinet Secretary indicated that the talks were mainly about aligning various strategies within the wildlife sector that will help in fully unlocking Kenya’s natural heritage while at the same time supporting a sustainable growth of tourism.
She noted that community-based conservation efforts, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts, and protection of critical migratory corridors necessary for maintaining biodiversity were the are major sectors to areas to focus on.
Based on Miano, the government is working towards incorporating wildlife conservation in the National Tourism Mapping undertaking of the entire 47 counties through tourism diversification efforts. At the same time, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and MICE tourism will be emphasized on.
She indicated that the government’s all-inclusive approach is not only aimed at biodiversity conservation but also at building the country’s tourism capacity to attract more than five million foreign visitors annually.
The government is of the view that by fortifying conservation laws and upgrading tourism facilities it will be able to improve visitor experience as well as create new economic opportunities for local communities through sustainable tourism projects.
Kenya is still a leading wildlife and tourism destination in Africa among other countries with this sector By a lot generating employment and foreign exchange earnings.