This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
Boosting Tourism in Nakuru County ¶
Located in the heart of Kenya, Nakuru County is a prime destination for tourists, with its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. The Nakuru Hotels and Tourism Association, a membership body comprising over 100 tourism stakeholders, is working tirelessly to promote the county as a tourist and investment destination.
According to David Mwangi, the association's chairman, the county's tourism sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increased number of visitors and the opening of new hotels. 'We have brought harmony in the sector where we now speak in one voice,' Mwangi said. 'This has made the association become an important stakeholder on tourism matters in this region.'
One of the association's key objectives is to market Nakuru County as a tourist destination, both locally and internationally. To achieve this, they have developed a calendar of events and activities aimed at promoting tourism and creating awareness of their products and services. They have also partnered with the Kenya Utalii College to provide annual refresher courses to Nakuru, training and graduating over 150 students each year.
Despite the successes, the industry still faces several challenges, including a lack of proper industry knowledge among some investors, poor infrastructure, and limited resources. 'There is a need for investors to have proper knowledge of standards, workforce, target client, and pricing,' Mwangi noted. 'This leads to poor planning or running of facilities.'
However, with the support of the County Government, led by Governor Lee Kinyanjui, the association is working to address these challenges and promote the county's tourism sector. 'We are working closely with Governor Kinyanjui, who has embraced tourism and made the department a key docket in the county government,' Mwangi said.
As the county continues to grow and develop, it is clear that tourism will play a vital role in its economic growth and development. With the Nakuru Hotels and Tourism Association at the forefront, promoting the county's unique attractions and experiences, Nakuru is set to become a top destination for tourists and investors alike.
Published on September 3, 2019.
