Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier destination for wellness tourism, citing yoga as a powerful cultural and health bridge.

Speaking during the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi, Miano highlighted how yoga aligns with Kenya’s broader development goals of universal healthcare, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

The event with themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health underscored yoga’s transformative potential for personal wellbeing and planetary health.

Miano reflected on the symbolic significance of the day, which coincides with the summer solstice, a time traditionally associated with renewal and spiritual awakening.

“Yoga teaches us to live consciously — in how we move, eat, and relate to one another and the Earth,” Miano said. “It offers a holistic, accessible, and cost-effective path to healing and resilience.”

Miano at the same time highlighted Kenya’s ambition to become a hub for wellness tourism, drawing on its natural beauty and cultural richness to attract visitors seeking holistic experiences.

“We must go beyond the mat,” she said. “When we care for ourselves, we care for the Earth.”

Under her leadership, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is embracing yoga as part of Kenya’s experiential and sustainable tourism strategy.

“Our scenic landscapes, peaceful beaches, serene highlands, and rich cultural heritage make Kenya an ideal destination for yoga retreats and wellness experiences,” Miano stated.