Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1279331,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1279331/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 388,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Penina Malonza",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The Western Kenya Tourism Circuit comprises Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Bungoma counties. The plans I have for this particular circuit is that we are already mapping the touristic products and experiences in collaboration with the county governments to identify, document and package iconic and signature ones that will be marketed as a must-visit attractions. Secondly, we are retraining and carrying out refresher courses for hospitality services, specifically for hoteliers in that region. In particular, we trained 147 service providers in April 2023 at Kakamega Golf Club Hotel. The Ministry also partnered with China Media Group to promote the circuit. To promote and develop authentic cultural tourism products found in the Western Kenya Circuit, the Ministry is partnering with the county governments and local communities on cultural festivals and events like the Rusinga and Kakamega cultural festivals and the Fish Fiesta. I attended them in person. In the same agenda, we are also considering mapping bull fighting in the Western Region. We are also collaborating with the county governments in bidding and organising for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Additionally, to encourage frequent travel especially to under-served areas, we are building youth-oriented travel operator incentives to develop and market all year-round. It includes adventurous activities, affordable bus service and budget accommodation. We are also increasing average spending per trip by launching dedicated marketing campaigns to showcase bespoke low-season experiences. We are also educating high-end travel agencies on new experiences in the Western Kenya Circuit. In partnership with respective counties, we are also looking forward to developing water fronts and cruise ship terminals in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Busia to promote lake, beach and cruise tourism within the circuit and to counties bordering Lake Victoria. On the second question, as provided by the Tourism Act 2011, the Government established the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) in April 2007 as a law enforcement agency to be deployed in popular tourist areas to ensure the safety and security of visitors. The Ruma National Park is one of the areas where we have deployed TPU officers. The Ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, has continuously partnered with the National Police Service (NPS) and TPU to increase patrol and surveillance in all tourist destinations and attraction areas in the county to ensure safety and security of our visitors at all times. We are also improving the road infrastructure, including the major highways and access roads, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works to ensure smooth and safe transportation for tourists. Additionally, we are partnering with county governments in the sector of roads development. The Government has also invested in modernisation and expansion of airports such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and the Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa to enhance international-domestic air connectivity. This alone opens every part of the country to be visited by tourists that enter through major airports. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}