Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has showered praise on Kitui County, describing it as one of Kenya’s most promising yet under-explored tourism frontiers.

She urged Kenyans to look beyond the traditional safari circuit and discover the region’s natural beauty, adventure trails, and rich cultural heritage.

Miano called Kitui “a hidden gem waiting to be fully discovered,” saying the county’s array of scenic and spiritual sites positions it as a rising star in domestic tourism.

“Kitui County is a hidden gem with untapped tourism potential,” said Miano. “Among its many attractions is the magnificent Nzambani Rock — a natural wonder that not only captivates visitors with its beauty but also fascinates them with its rich folklore.”

The Nzambani Rock, believed to be the tallest rock outcrop in Kenya, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside. According to local legend, anyone who circles the rock seven times will experience a miraculous change of gender — a tale that has intrigued visitors for generations.

Miano said such unique cultural stories, coupled with Kitui’s ecological diversity, make the county a perfect destination for cultural, eco-, and adventure tourism. She added that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is partnering with the Kitui County Government to improve infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and promote local attractions to stimulate the economy and empower communities.

“Our goal is to spotlight counties like Kitui that hold immense potential beyond the traditional safari destinations,” Miano noted. “By showcasing our local heritage, we not only preserve culture but also create jobs and transform lives through sustainable tourism.”

Beyond the famed Nzambani Rock, Kitui boasts a wide array of attractions that blend spirituality, adventure, and conservation. They include the Kalundu Dam Eco Park, a lush riverine retreat ideal for picnics and birdwatching; the Ya Kavia Rock Art and Shrine, once a center for community rituals; and the Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary and Reptile Park, home to rare indigenous species and reptiles.

Adventurers can explore Gai/Muruu (Tei wa Yesu) Missionary Centre for scenic hikes or experience Ikoo Valley, with its sandy riverbeds perfect for photography and future eco-tourism ventures such as zip-lining and cultural festivals.

Faith-based tourism also thrives in Kitui through revered sites like Museve Shrine and Ngomeni Rock Catchment Shrine, while history enthusiasts can visit the Ikutha AIC Church, established in the 1880s and still standing in its original form.

Nature lovers can scale Kiongwe Hills for spectacular views or visit Mwingi Game Reserve, South Kitui Game Reserve, and the Kitui side of Tsavo East National Park, where wildlife roams freely in untamed landscapes.

Miano urged Kenyans to embrace domestic tourism, calling it an act of patriotism and a way to celebrate the country’s heritage.

“True patriotism means exploring and appreciating what our land has to offer,” she said. “Kitui’s magic lies not just in its scenery but in its stories and its people.