Daily Trends

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has urged greater investment in youth skills development to strengthen Kenya’s service industry, as she presided over the graduation of 434 trainees from the Zoari Community Institute in Nanyuki.

The event, spearheaded by Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, was marked by pomp and celebration as the graduates, drawn from across the country, prepared to take up roles in Kenya’s hospitality and culinary sector at a time when the tourism industry is regaining momentum.

Miano described the milestone as a powerful testament to the importance of equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills.

“This occasion is a powerful testament to the value of investing in skills development as we seek to enhance efficiency and service delivery in our hospitality sector,” she said. “We embrace these graduates not just as chefs, but as curators of our culinary future and ambassadors of Kenyan culture and heritage.”

She emphasized that Kenya’s diverse cuisine is a key pillar of the country’s tourism offering. By raising culinary standards, she added, the graduates would help position Kenya as a leading gastro-tourism destination for global travelers in search of authentic cultural experiences.

The Cabinet Secretary further reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality industry, highlighting initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for training, innovation, and job creation. She urged the graduates to carry professionalism, creativity, and cultural pride into their new careers.

Also present were Members of Parliament Hon. Wamuratha (Kiambu County), Hon. Fatuma (Migori County), Hon. Donya (Kisii County), and Hon. Wamacukuru (Kabete Constituency). The leaders commended the initiative for empowering young people with skills that will not only secure livelihoods but also contribute to national economic growth.

Kagiri lauded the graduates for their determination and resilience. She encouraged them to use their expertise to innovate within the hospitality space, while pledging continued support for youth-focused programs in Laikipia and beyond.

As the 434 graduates transition into the workforce, they are expected to raise service standards and showcase Kenya’s culture through food and hospitality. Their entry into the industry underscores the country’s broader ambition: to blend tradition and innovation in shaping a tourism sector that is globally competitive and proudly Kenyans.

Cabinet Secretary Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has announced a series of new measures aimed at strengthening visitor safety and wildlife protection in the Maasai Mara, following widely circulated footage showing tourists outside their vehicles during the annual wildebeest migration.

The incident, which occurred at the flooded Purungat Gate, drew widespread concern after images showed visitors standing in close proximity to wildlife. According to the County Government of Narok, tourists had alighted from their vans while waiting for floodwaters to recede. While the clarification provided important context, the Ministry noted that the images risk undermining Kenya’s global reputation for conservation and sustainable tourism.

Miano who responded to the trending video while attending the TICA9 in Japan emphasized that Kenya remains a global leader in conservation and must uphold the highest standards in managing one of the world’s most iconic natural spectacles.

“Kenya’s tourism future is anchored in our ability to protect both visitors and wildlife. We must act decisively to preserve the Maasai Mara’s integrity, uphold visitor safety, and demonstrate Kenya’s unwavering commitment to conservation,” Miano said in a statement.

To prevent similar incidents, the Ministry has outlined a four-point action plan in collaboration with Narok County and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Key measures include stricter enforcement of park rules, increased ranger presence at sensitive crossing points, and clearer accountability for tour operators. Drivers, guides, or companies that allow visitors to disregard regulations will face disciplinary or legal action.

Visitor safety and wildlife protection will remain the top priority, with the government stressing that preventing dangerous interactions safeguards both lives and conservation integrity. Additionally, joint oversight efforts will be strengthened, with harmonized visitor management systems and awareness campaigns targeting both tourists and operators. New signage and educational materials will be introduced at key gates and migration viewing areas.

The wildebeest migration, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is a cornerstone of Kenya’s tourism industry. The Ministry underscored that maintaining the reserve’s global reputation requires cooperation between government authorities, tour operators, and visitors themselves.

“As custodians of one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, we all share a responsibility to ensure the Maasai Mara remains a symbol of Kenya’s leadership in conservation,” Miano added.

Kenya has enhanced its commitment to strengthen the fight against human-nature conflict by allocating land in Nairobi where a global monitoring centre will be established.

The new facility will be the headquarters of Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LAFT) and will host a Regional Command and Control Centre and a Digital Public Infrastructure hub, using advanced technology to combat human-wildlife conflict and cross-border environmental crimes.

The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, during a side event at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan. Themed “Command and Control Center and Digital Public Infrastructure Addressing Human-Nature Conflicts in Africa”, the event brought together African leaders, Japanese partners, and international stakeholders.

“Kenya has allocated land in Nairobi to host LATF’s permanent headquarters,” Miano declared. “This is a tangible demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to regional cooperation and reflects our dedication to this important initiative.”

Miano underscored the growing pressures facing African communities, including habitat loss, climate shocks, and resource competition. Human-wildlife conflict, cross-border poaching, and wildlife trafficking remain persistent threats that no single nation can combat alone.

“The Regional Command and Control Centre will be a critical lynchpin in our continental information hub,” she noted. “It will enable joint operations, intelligence sharing, and the signalling of early warnings. This is markedly significant in countering human-nature conflict and cross-border environmental crimes.”

Kenya has already embraced digital transformation in conservation, deploying tools such as GPS wildlife tracking, drone monitoring, and digitized human-wildlife conflict reporting.

The country’s National Command and Control Centre integrates data from conservancies, protected areas, and enforcement agencies, enhancing early warning and rapid response capabilities.

“Our national strategy aligns perfectly with the regional infrastructure LATF is developing,” Miano said, adding that Kenya views technology-driven solutions as “vitally critical” in safeguarding Africa’s biodiversity.

She highlighted the success of the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System, developed in collaboration with LATF, as proof that digital platforms can close enforcement gaps and strengthen cross-border cooperation.

Miano stressed that Africa’s DPI must serve not only governments and agencies but also local communities, ensuring participation and fair benefit-sharing from natural resources.

“DPI must foster inclusivity and brotherhood in a space of shared interests,” she emphasized. “It must enable community participation and ensure that nature’s treasure trove benefits all.”

Miano linked the initiative to the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy and Kenya’s Digital Superhighway agenda, spearheaded by President William Ruto, which seeks to drive innovation, inclusive growth, and environmental resilience through digital infrastructure.

“Together, we can co-create a prosperous future,” she said. “Kenya stands ready to work hand in hand with our neighbours, regional institutions, and global partners to realise this grand vision,” she said.