Nairobi City County Government Engages Stakeholders to Validate Comprehensive Draft Tourism Policy
We are honoured to share that we were involved in the process of making of the Nairobi City County Tourism Policy. We took part in the first workshop for the development of a zero draft on April 18 held at Henessis Hotel and the second review workshop on May 18 2024 at Best Western Plus Hotel in Nairobi. Finally, the validation workshop on June 24 2024.
The validation workshop was convened by the Nairobi City County Government through its sub-sector of City Culture, Arts and Tourism held a tourism stakeholders’ meeting to collectively review and validate the draft County Tourism Policy as part of efforts to ensure that the county has a comprehensive, inclusive and effective tourism policy that promotes sustainable tourism growth while addressing the diverse needs of the stakeholders and the people of Nairobi at large.
The representation had members from various organizations across the Kenya’s tourism sector; including.:- The client, Nairobi county, Kenya Tourism Federation, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Professional Authority, Bomas of Kenya, East Africa Tour Guides& Drivers Association, Tour Operators Society of Kenya, Technical University of kenya, Global Nashions Consulting, National Geography Society and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa Ltd,
The validation workshop was graced by Dr Anastasia Nyalita, County Executive Committee Member for Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service, where city Culture arts and tourism are domiciled. In her remarks, she said that the policy aims to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and implement best practices that will elevate Nairobi’s status as a premier tourist destination.
Charting the way forward.
The stakeholders were taken through the draft policy and afterwards, they were able to share their feedback and input before validating it. The Policy is expected to go through Public Participation before being presented to the Cabinet and the County assembly respectively.
ABOUT THE POLICY
The mission of the policy is to develop and promote continuous sustainable and inclusive tourism in Nairobi by enhancing the diversification of tourism offerings, implementing robust improvements, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Guiding Principles
The implementation of this Policy will be guided by the following principles:
Sustainability
Climate Change Mitigation
Economic and Social Prosperity
Stakeholder Collaboration and Participation
Regional Tourism Management and Marketing
Experience-Driven, Distinct ‘Sense of Place’
Visible International Brand
Robust Investment Climate
Strategic Capacity Building
Commitment to Digital Transformation
Good Governance
Shared Benefits
Market Diversification
Highlight of the SWOT Analysis from the Policy Document
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Nairobi’s diverse, cosmopolitan population is a melting pot of various cultures, offering unique cultural experiences and creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Skilled Human Resource Capital: The city boasts a highly literate and competent workforce.
Reputable Training Institutions: Numerous national and international institutions offer specialized training in tourism and hospitality.
Nairobi National Park: The only capital city with a national park, offering unique urban wildlife experiences.
Innovation Hub: Nairobi is recognized as a center for innovation and technology.
Available Green Spaces: Numerous parks and nature trails, including Uhuru Park and Karura Forest.
Regional & Administrative Hub: Nairobi serves as the administrative centre of Kenya, hosting various governmental and diplomatic offices.
High Disposable Income: The city has a significant population with high spending power.
Regional Tourism Management; Proximity to other Tourist-Rich Counties such as Kajiado, Kiambu and Machakos counties, enhancing the variety of tourist experiences.
Nairobi’s well-developed infrastructure, including advanced road networks like the Nairobi Expressway and proximity to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport, enhances accessibility and makes it a key entry point for tourists. Its central location significantly bolsters its appeal as a prime destination and excellent internet infrastructure supports both business and leisure tourism
11. Nairobi is renowned for its high-quality hospitality services: Nairobi has world-class recognized diverse accommodation options, and culinary diversity.
12. scenic Beauty and Diverse Tourism Products: Offers a range of tourism products from wildlife to urban experiences; medical tourism; MICE; Shopping; and thriving nightlife.
13. Growing Middle-class population
14. Strategic Location: Nairobi is the gateway to East and Central Africa.
15. Nairobi is the Headquarters of UN offices ( UN-HABITAT and UNEP) and other multinationals
1. Congestion and traffic jams, caused by overcrowding and unregulated transport;
2. Untapped Tourism Potential: Lack of a comprehensive mapping of tourism products.
3. Inadequate Tourism infrastructure e.g. Tourism information Centers Welcome centers, Tourism signage :
4. Street Vendors: Overzealous vendors creating unconducive environment for tourists and obstructing pathways in the city.
5. Perception of Nairobi as unsafe destination
6. Overall limited financial resources committed to tourism and infrastructure budget
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Large Youth Population Segments: Targeting youth segments to increase tourism; Engaging the young population in tourism development and marketing in preparation for the demographic dividend.
Technology and innovation: can be utilized to enhance the tourism experience, including an enhanced social media presence on platforms like TikTok for marketing tourism.
Nairobi offers diverse untapped tourism opportunities; including niche products like medical, sports, city tours, avitourism, shopping, religious tourism, heritage, nightlife and creative tourism, alongside developing green spaces for recreation. Untapped potentials include urban birding in Nairobi National Park, MICE sector growth, ecotourism development, and promoting the unique matatu culture as a tourism experience.
Regional Educational and Excellence Hub: Highlighting Nairobi as a hub of regional and educational excellence.
Nairobi Regional Business Hub: Leveraging Nairobi’s status as a regional business hub.
Investment opportunities in Tourism Infrastructure: Investing in super infrastructure like tourism information center, signage, digital solutions, city tour buses and public amenities.
International Events: Hosting international expos, conferences, fair and exhibitions in hospitality and tourism to attract global attention.
Street Photography and Videography: Free street photography and videography to promote Nairobi visually.
Collaborative Marketing: Collaborating with stakeholders for the marketing of tourism products.
International Hospitality Brands: Collaborating with international hospitality brands to enhance tourism infrastructure.
Stakeholder Partnerships: Building partnerships with stakeholders for tourism development.
Encroachment: Uncontrolled land encroachment impacting tourism sites.
Reduction of Flora & Fauna: Loss of biodiversity affecting natural attractions.
Competition from Other Destinations and Emerging cities: Other countries and regions competing for tourists.
Degradation of the natural environment and climate change
Unregistered Operators: Presence of unregulated tourism service providers.
Negative Media Coverage: Media reports portraying Nairobi negatively.
Competing Interests: Conflicting interests between county and national government.
