Kisumu targets global tourism growth as county, private sector deepen partnerships.

Marwa Tours and Travel director Stephen Osuka, CEC Tourism Farida Salim and Tourism Director Inviolete Adhiambo during the launch of the organization's Tours and Travel’s five-year strategic plan. Faith Matete 

Tourism CEC Farida Salim and her Director Inviolete Adhiambo accompanied by other sector players during the launch of Marwa Tours and Travel’s five-year strategic plan. Faith Matete 

 Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Tourism Farida Salim has called for stronger partnerships with private sector players to position the lakeside county as a leading tourism and investment destination.

Speaking in Kisumu during the launch of Marwa Tours and Travel’s five-year strategic plan, Salim said the county government is keen on building a robust tourism ecosystem that brings together transport operators, hospitality players, investors and public institutions under the “Kisumu My Pride” campaign, now in its third year.

She said the campaign has helped raise Kisumu’s profile locally and internationally, noting that the county is increasingly featuring on the global tourism map following the hosting of major international events, including a recent free cities summit.

“Our goal is to keep positioning Kisumu as both a tourism destination and an investment hub.We want an ecosystem where everyone plugs in and together we strengthen the sector,” Salim said.

Salim said tourist numbers into Kisumu have been rising, attributing the growth to improved connectivity and aggressive destination marketing. 

She noted that Kisumu enjoys a unique advantage as it can be accessed by air, water, rail and road, making mobility easier for visitors.

She cited recent developments in the transport sector, including new airline connections, saying the county is preparing for even higher visitor numbers ahead of major upcoming events such as the World Talent Conference, expected to attract about 15,000 delegates next year.

“As numbers increase, we must be well prepared, especially in the transport and hospitality sectors, to ensure visitors move around easily and enjoy their stay,” she said.

Salim also urged Kisumu residents to embrace domestic tourism, saying many locals have not fully explored the county’s tourist attractions despite their proximity.

“Tourism is not a foreign affair. Let us start with ourselves. Take your families to the Kisumu Museum, Kit Mikayi, the Impala Sanctuary and enjoy what we have before we attract others,” she said.

During the event, Marwa Tours and Travel director Stephen Osuka said the company’s five-year strategic plan is aligned with Kisumu County’s tourism vision and aims to contribute to economic growth while elevating the county’s global profile.

Osuka said the plan outlines phased growth, including fleet expansion in the first year, financial consolidation in the second, steady growth and investment in the third year, stability and global positioning by the fourth year, and long-term sustainability by the fifth year.

“Our vision is to place Kisumu firmly on the global tourism map through a home-grown brand that contributes meaningfully to the local economy,” he said.

Salim welcomed the plan, saying partnerships with tour and transport operators are critical as the county rolls out new tourism products, including lake-based conferencing and leisure experiences on Lake Victoria.

She said the county plans to scale up lake tours in the new year and revive key events such as the Fish Fiesta, which is expected to be held in the first quarter.

“We are inviting partners to explore new packages like lake conferencing. It is possible to hold meetings, tours and leisure activities on the lake, and this is an experience we want to grow,” Salim said.