Week-long tourism showcase kicks off ahead of Jamhuri Day

The government has launched a week-long tourism showcase in Nairobi as part of the build-up to Jamhuri Day celebrations, highlighting tourism’s growing contribution to economic recovery and job creation.

The exhibition, opened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), brings together government agencies, private sector players and county governments under the banner Kenya Tourism, Wildlife and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Week. It runs from December 8 to 11 and will culminate in Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the private sector remains the backbone of the tourism industry, noting that investment and innovation by industry players drive Kenya’s appeal as a destination.

“The private sector is the true owner of tourism in Kenya. As government, we will continue to create an enabling environment and work closely with counties and industry players,” Miano said.

She revealed that Kenya recorded 5.1 million domestic bed-nights in 2024, excluding homestays and short-term rentals, underscoring the importance of the local market.  Miano urged Kenyans to take part in the celebrations and explore local destinations.

Activities lined up for the week include exhibitions by government and private enterprises, youth innovation expos showcasing digital tourism solutions, investment forums featuring projects from all 47 counties, cultural performances and culinary showcases.

Visitors will also experience virtual reality tours of Kenya’s nine tourism circuits, wildlife documentary screenings and tourism excellence awards, alongside the launch of key sector policies.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said Jamhuri Week seeks to position tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth, as Kenya targets five million international visitors by 2027 with potential earnings of Ksh.1.1 trillion.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said anchoring the Jamhuri celebrations on tourism reflects the sector’s central role in national development and offers a platform to market Kenya for leisure, business and investment.

The government is also using Jamhuri Week to promote domestic tourism. Miano said Kenyans accounted for about 4.9 million hotel bed-nights in 2024, with coastal properties recording an 11.8 per cent increase in local occupancy.

The celebrations will climax on Jamhuri Day with family activities at Nairobi National Park, including guided tours and entry waivers for selected parks.

Kenya is targeting three million tourist arrivals by the end of the year, with projected earnings of Ksh.560 billion, while youth account for about 80 per cent of the tourism workforce, underlining the sector’s role in employment creation.