Cultural tourism is untapped gold mine in Kenya

President William Ruto has emphasized on government’s commitment to promote cultural tourism in a bid to harness the power of cultural diversity and bolster tourism revenues.

Speaking at Sekenani Gate in Narok County on Tuesday, during Maasai Cultural Festival, President Ruto highlighted the transformative potential of tapping into Kenya’s rich cultural heritage as a means to diversify the country’s tourism revenues.

He underscored that contemporary tourism is evolving beyond just showcasing scenic beauty and natural wonders, it now places equal emphasis on authentic cultural experiences and interactions with local communities.

“It’s no longer just about sights and sounds, but also about the people,” President Ruto stated. He outlined the government’s intention to collaborate with Counties to support initiatives focused on preserving cultural heritage. Specifically, he mentioned the allocation of funds to facilitate the annual Maa Cultural Festival, recognizing it as a significant step towards cultural preservation.

President Ruto acknowledged that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) has designated certain elements of Kenya’s cultural heritage as Intangible Cultural Items. These include the induction of boys before initiation, the traditional shaving of morans, and the pivotal meat eating ceremony marking the transition into adulthood. He expressed gratitude to the Maasai community for their dedication to safeguarding these traditions, which contribute to Kenya’s unique global identity.

A notable announcement was the President’s directive to allocate 50 per cent of the revenues generated from national parks and game reserves to the host communities. This move is aimed at fostering mutual benefit and enhancing the quality of life for local residents.

“All revenues from our national parks and game reserves should be divided equally between the host counties and the national government,” he said.

This initiative is set to drive impactful projects aimed at uplifting the lives of host communities. The event was attended by high-profile government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Peninah Malonza (Tourism) and Soipan Tuya (Environment), Governors Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok), Joseph Lenku (Kajiado), and Jonathan Lati Leliliit (Samburu), alongside various Members of Parliament.

President Ruto’s visionary address reflects Kenya’s commitment to fostering a tourism landscape that is not only visually captivating but deeply enriched by the cultural tapestry of its communities. The government’s proactive measures to distribute revenues from tourism directly to host communities are poised to create a positive ripple effect, benefiting both local populations and the nation as a whole.