26/09/2026
This morning, we joined the Kilifi Department of Trade, Tourism & Co-operative Development and other stakeholders at Hells Kitchen, Marafa, to celebrate World Tourism Week under the theme โDigital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.โ
The celebration brought together stakeholders from the conservation, tourism, community, education and security sectors to share knowledge, experiences and practical approaches towards strengthening sustainable tourism.
Participants included Watamu Snake Park, Nature Kenya, Bore-Giriama Cultural Centre, Umoja wa Jamii, Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group, Kaya Elders, Marafa Vocational Training Centre, Ti Kuondo Youth Group, NGAO, Anglican Development Services (ADS), County Government representatives and security agencies.
Key areas of learning included:
๐ฟ Preservation of culture and heritage
๐ Environmental conservation and protection
๐ค Community empowerment and sustainable development
๐ Education, awareness and knowledge sharing
๐ฆ Tourism development and local opportunities
๐ฌ Research and innovation
๐ฐ Tourismโs contribution to local livelihoods and economies
๐ First aid and snakebite management
๐ฏ Beekeeping and community livelihoods
๐ณ Tree growing and El Niรฑo preparedness
โ ๏ธ The impacts of โdisco matangaโ on communities and the environment
The event reinforced the importance of partnerships, innovation, technology and community participation in building a resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Kenya Wildlife Service
KWS Coast Tourism Circuit