Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has hailed President William Ruto as Kenya’s most influential and effective ambassador in promoting the country’s tourism industry, crediting his leadership with revitalizing a sector that plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station, Miano said the President has been intentional in elevating Kenya’s tourism through strategic policies and high-level international engagement.

“President Ruto has become Kenya’s greatest tourism ambassador,” Miano declared. “His strategic leadership, international engagements, and unwavering support for local tourism development have placed Kenya firmly on the global tourism map.”

According to Miano, the President has utilized every international forum to market Kenya as a premier travel destination.

“He has powerfully positioned the Kenyan brand—highlighting our identity as the cradle of humankind, among other unique attributes. We have seen great support from the government under our able President,” she added.

Miano pointed out that numerous reforms have been achieved under President Ruto’s leadership through close inter-ministerial collaboration. She noted that the Ministry of Transport is working to upgrade airports to world-class standards, while the Ministry of Tourism continues to strengthen the sector through initiatives like the well-established Tourist Police Unit.

Miano also praised the President’s attention to county-level tourism, particularly in Nyandarua. Speaking at a county tourism forum earlier this year, she described the region—home to the Aberdare Ranges, scenic landscapes, and colonial heritage sites—as “Kenya’s California.”

“The President’s focus on uplifting regions like Nyandarua has elevated local tourism and created new economic opportunities for our communities,” she said. “None of this progress would be possible without his leadership.”

This regional push aligns with the Ministry’s broader strategy of community-based tourism, where local residents are empowered to manage and benefit from the tourism value chain.

Beyond symbolic appearances, Ruto’s administration has significantly increased budgetary allocations to tourism infrastructure, launched robust digital marketing campaigns targeting global audiences, and incentivized private sector investment in tourism.

Under his leadership, Kenya recorded a historic KSh 450 billion in tourism revenue in 2024, with an ambitious target of attracting 5 million international visitors by 2027. Miano attributes these milestones to the President’s “visible, vocal, and visionary” role in driving the sector’s growth.

“From championing Kenya’s presence at global tourism expos to personally welcoming visitors, President Ruto has set a new benchmark for leadership in tourism,” she noted.

As Kenya advances toward becoming a tourism powerhouse, Miano emphasized that a combination of strong political will and community-driven engagement will be key to growing the sector.