Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has called on Kenyans living abroad to become ambassadors of Kenya’s tourism sector, urging them to play a leading role in promoting the country’s rich heritage, natural attractions and investment opportunities to the global market.

Speaking during an engagement with the Nyandarua ACK Diocese Diaspora Professionals, Ms Miano said the Kenyan diaspora holds immense potential in shaping the country’s tourism narrative and attracting visitors, investors, and development partnerships.

Miano particularly highlighted Nyandarua County as one of the country’s most promising yet underexploited tourism destinations. She said the county’s unique blend of cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes, wildlife resources and eco-tourism attractions presents significant opportunities for growth.

“Thinking about tourism in a totally new way will necessitate our united efforts,” Miano observed. “If we join hands in this endeavour, we will be able to showcase the distinctiveness of Nyandarua’s cultural and natural environment and conserve them for future generations.”

Nyandarua County, which is endowed with attractions like the Aberdare Ranges, magnificent scenic waterfalls and diverse wildlife habitats, is slowly getting recognized as one of the most outstanding destinations for eco-tourism.

The meeting explored strategies to leverage diaspora networks in marketing the county’s attractions to international audiences while attracting investments into tourism-related ventures. Participants also examined ways of creating sustainable tourism models that generate economic opportunities for local residents without compromising environmental conservation.

According to Miano, the government is keen on unlocking Nyandarua’s immense tourism potential through the development of sustainable tourism corridors, expansion of eco-tourism initiatives, and investment in critical infrastructure.

“Together, we are building a vibrant, inclusive tourism economy,” she said, adding that partnerships with the diaspora can help unlock new markets and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in the global tourism industry.

Her remarks come as Kenya intensifies efforts to diversify its tourism products and attract more visitors through sustainable tourism practices, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism ventures. The government has increasingly identified the Kenyan diaspora as a strategic partner in driving economic development and enhancing the country’s international profile.

• A Tell Media report / By Mwangi Muriithi