CS Mutua to provide police four-wheel bikes in tourism revival plan

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has launched a campaign to restore the glory of the tourism sector in the country.

The CS  is spearheading a countrywide campaign known as Utalii Fresh, which entails a strategic plan seeking to uncover Kenya's hidden tourism treasures and boost the revenue the sector generates.

Speaking at the Kwale governor's office, Mutua said his ministry is collaborating with all 47 counties to develop their rich tourism destinations and potential areas of exploration.  

In his new campaign, Mutua will provide four-wheel motorbikes to police officers patrolling the shores of the Indian Ocean and erect street lights on all roads leading to the beaches.

"We are determined to revive the country's tourism industry by investing in critical infrastructure like access roads, installing solar lighting along the beaches and strategic marketing to attract tourists," said Dr Mutua.

He added that Kenya has an advantage in the hospitality and tourism sector because of its diverse cultural heritage which should be fully exploited. 

"I want to unlock the untapped tourism potential in the country and also take development to the grassroots," the CS pledged. 

Uplifting of tourist sites

Accompanied by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, CS Mutua visited several sites that the county intends to develop into attractive tourist sites in Diani. Among them is the Kongo Mosque which was listed for refurbishment.

"We are also going to restore the glory of the forgotten tourist sites such as the Kongo Mosque, the Diani tourist market and the map of Africa," the CS promised and called upon county governments to join him in developing cultural experiences that would not only attract tourists but also benefit local economies and empower communities.

Tourism CS Alfred Mutua and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani at a press conference in Kwale on Wednesday, April 4, 2024 (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

New construction projects 

Mutua pledged to construct the Kwale Heritage and Convention Centre and a modern recreation facility along the historic Kongo beach to blend the preservation of the area's history with contemporary amenities.

Kongo Beach, according to the CS, is renowned for its potential in Halal (Shariah-compliant) Tourism development which the government sees as a potential market for foreign Muslim travellers, especially from the Middle East.

The national government has also set its eyes on the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) as an important growth area for tourism in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu. The Arabian Travel Market is an international travel trade show unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism. 

Mutua disclosed the government’s intention to seize a part of the growing and flourishing Muslim tourism market by participating in the trade show. 

He said Muslim customers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Iran and Turkey specifically look for tour packages that guarantee them to pray five times a day during travel.

On her end, Governor Achani stated that her administration will set up a state-of-the-art conference facility in Diani and had already allocated Sh40 million for the development of the necessary public services and utilities.

"Our discussions focused on strategies on possible partnership areas between the Kwale County government and the Ministry of Tourism to grow and bolster the tourism numbers in our county," she disclosed. 

Like Mutua, she urged the national government to partner with counties and other stakeholders if the tourism industry is to be properly harnessed.

Governor Achani added that Kwale County will reposition itself as a top Halal-friendly destination as the hospitality industry already has outstanding tourism infrastructure to cater to Muslim travellers.

"As a Muslim, it's important to ensure that your travel arrangements including food and accommodation are Halal especially if you intend on travelling during the Muslim holiday seasons," she emphasised. 

She further called upon stakeholders to offer tour packages with extended services such as allocating times for praying in the itinerary of Muslim tourists and providing halal food.

Tourism CS Alfred Mutua and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani at a press conference in Kwale on Wednesday, April 4, 2024 (Photo: CS Alfred Mutua/X)