Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and members of a United States delegation pose for a group photo after talks on expanding Kenya-US cooperation in tourism and wildlife conservation./HANDOUT
Kenya is seeking deeper cooperation with the United States in tourism and wildlife conservation as the two countries explore new partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable development.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who hosted top US delegates, said Kenya was keen to work with the US in areas including tourism and infrastructure investment, wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and renewable energy.
Miano spoke during a bilateral meeting with an eight-member delegation from the US Congress Committee on Energy and Commerce at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The discussions also explored opportunities for twinning and sister-city partnerships through cultural and educational exchanges, as well as development projects that could benefit citizens of both countries.
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya valued its longstanding relationship with the US, particularly its position as the country's leading tourism source market for more than a decade.
"Kenya holds in highest esteem the US's continuing leading position as the leading tourist source market for over a decade," Miano said.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on areas that link tourism with conservation and sustainable development, including renewable energy and sustainable land management.
The partnerships could also open opportunities for greater collaboration in protecting wildlife and supporting communities that depend on natural resources and tourism.
Miano said the proposed areas of cooperation would provide mutual benefits to the citizens of Kenya and the United States while strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The US delegation was led by Committee Chairman Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and included Reps. Troy Carter of Louisiana, Jay Obernolte of California, Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota, Morgan Griffith of Virginia, Cliff Bentz of Oregon, Russ Fulcher of Idaho, and Craig Goldman. The representatives were accompanied by about a dozen congressional and US Embassy staff.
During the meeting, Miano also conferred on the visiting lawmakers the title of Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors for Kenya, underscoring the importance of their visit and the role they can play in promoting the country's tourism attractions.
She further invited the delegation to experience Kenya's wildlife and tourism offerings during a visit to the Maasai Mara, where they were expected to witness the annual wildebeest migration.
The migration, which attracts visitors from across the world, remains one of Kenya's most iconic tourism experiences and a major attraction for international travellers.
"I wish you a memorable visit to the Maasai Mara as you experience the eighth wonder of the world, the annual wildebeest migration, as one of the many signature experiences of our truly Magical Kenya: The Origin of Wonder," Miano said.
The visit comes at a time when Kenya continues to position tourism as a key contributor to economic development, with the government seeking to strengthen international partnerships and diversify opportunities within the sector.
Beyond traditional tourism promotion, the discussions highlighted the potential for partnerships in infrastructure, conservation, and renewable energy—areas that could support the long-term sustainability of Kenya's tourism industry.
The proposed twinning and sister-city partnerships could further strengthen people-to-people relations between Kenya and the US through cultural and educational exchanges.
The meeting also offered the US lawmakers an opportunity to engage directly with Kenya on areas of shared interest while experiencing the country's tourism and wildlife attractions.
Miano said Kenya welcomed continued collaboration with the United States, describing the partnership as an opportunity to advance projects and initiatives that would have a positive impact on citizens in both countries.
The engagement underscores Kenya's efforts to strengthen bilateral partnerships while positioning tourism, conservation, and sustainable development as key areas for international cooperation.
