By V, KNA
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, Wednesday evening joined industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the second Kenya Tourism Awards (KTA) Gala Dinner in Nairobi, where excellence and innovation within Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sector were recognised.
Speaking at the event, PS Isaboke described tourism as a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth and global positioning, noting that the strong participation of at the awards reflects the sector’s growing credibility, competitiveness, and commitment to quality across the value chain.
“Tourism remains a strategic pillar of our economy and a powerful ambassador of Kenya’s global brand. The strong participation we see here tonight is a clear signal of a sector that is confident, competitive and committed to excellence,” PS Isaboke said.
He underscored the increasingly central role of media, digital platforms, and storytelling in shaping Kenya’s tourism brand globally, saying strategic visibility through broadcasting, online platforms, and creative content remains critical to attracting visitors, driving bookings, and unlocking new investments.
“In today’s digital era, destinations compete on visibility and narrative. Strategic storytelling through broadcasting, digital platforms, and creative content is no longer optional, it is essential for attracting visitors, investments, and global attention,” he said.
Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), PS Isaboke said tourism continues to expand opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises, many of them youth-led, community-based, and deeply rooted in local economies. He noted that the sector plays a vital role in job creation and income generation across accommodation, tour operations, transport, food and beverages, creative industries, and digital marketing.
“Tourism is one of the most inclusive sectors under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. It creates pathways for MSMEs, youth, and communities to participate meaningfully in economic growth,” he said.
The Principal Secretary highlighted the sector’s strong performance in 2024, with Kenya recording 2.4 million international visitors, representing a 15 per cent increase from the previous year, while domestic tourism grew by 12 per cent. Tourism earnings rose to Sh452 billion, underlining the sector’s growing contribution to foreign exchange earnings and national development.
He said initiatives such as the Kenya Tourism Awards promote accountability, higher industry standards, and competitiveness across the tourism value chain, while encouraging innovation, professionalism, and service excellence.
“Platforms such as the Kenya Tourism Awards play a critical role in raising standards, rewarding excellence, and encouraging continuous innovation across the tourism value chain,” PS Isaboke noted.
The Kenya Tourism Awards recognised excellence across 50 categories for 2026, honouring outstanding performance by players drawn from the private sector, government, and community organisations.
The categories were subjected to a rigorous jury evaluation process assessing key pillars of excellence, after which shortlisted finalists were opened to public voting to determine the winners.
Kenya Tourism Awards Chairperson Barry Clemens said the KTA Board works closely with industry stakeholders to promote high standards and shape a culture of excellence within Kenya’s tourism sector.
Kenya Tourism Awards Chief Executive Officer Allan Ndekwe said the awards were designed to both celebrate excellence and challenge the industry to continuously raise its standards.“The Kenya Tourism Awards are about recognising those who are setting the bar high while inspiring the entire sector to aim even higher,” he said.
“By rewarding innovation, quality service, and responsible tourism practices, we are strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness as a world-class destination.”
PS Isaboke reaffirmed the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications’ commitment to strengthening the digital and communications ecosystem to support tourism visibility, innovation, and growth, noting that media practitioners, broadcasters, and digital creators remain key partners in telling Kenya’s story to the world.
“Government remains committed to working with media practitioners, broadcasters, and digital creators to ensure Kenya’s tourism story is told consistently, creatively, and competitively on the global stage,” he said.
The Principal Secretary congratulated the award winners and urged continued collaboration between government, the private sector, communities, and creatives to position Kenya as a resilient, competitive, and globally respected tourism destination.
PS Isaboke was accompanied by the Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Temesi Mukani, and the Tourism Secretary, David Gitonga, who represented the Principal Secretary for Tourism.
