Bitok Says Eldoret Will Position North Rift as New Tourism Frontier
The officials are in Uasin Gishu County ahead of World Tourism Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at the University of Eldoret.
Tourism PS Julius Bitok says Eldoret City is set to position the North Rift as a major tourism destination by showcasing its rich culture, athletics heritage and agricultural potential. Photo: PS Bitok.
By Robert Mutasi
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has said Eldoret City will play a key role in positioning the North Rift as a major tourism destination by promoting its culture, sporting heritage and agricultural potential.
Bitok spoke on Thursday at Eldoret Club, where he was accompanied by chief executives of tourism State agencies, including the Tourism Fund, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Utalii College, Tourism Regulatory Authority and Bomas of Kenya.
The officials are in Uasin Gishu County ahead of World Tourism Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at the University of Eldoret.
Bitok said Kenya’s tourism sector has traditionally relied heavily on beach and wildlife attractions, particularly the Coast and Maasai Mara. He said the North Rift provides an opportunity to broaden the country’s tourism offering through its cultural heritage, sporting talent and agricultural activities.
“For the first time in more than 20 years, we are having World Tourism Day right here in Eldoret, the City of Champions. North Rift is rich in terms of culture, sports and talent,” Bitok said.
He said Eldoret was selected to host the celebrations because of its agricultural activities, favourable climate and reputation as an international athletics centre.
The tourism week will also provide an opportunity to showcase the region ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, which will be held in Eldoret on October 20 and presided over by President William Ruto.
Bitok said the programme includes an interdenominational service at the University of Eldoret, a live viewing of the Berlin Marathon and the official World Tourism Day celebrations.
A legends run is also scheduled to take place around Eldoret town, bringing together tourism officials and prominent Kenyan athletes.
The PS said this year’s tourism celebrations will focus on the use of technology and artificial intelligence to market destinations and improve visitor experiences.
He said the ministry was also working to standardise hotels and restaurants while expanding online platforms for the tourism industry.
Bitok further linked Kenya’s hosting of the World Athletics Championships to the country’s tourism ambitions, saying the event could help attract more international visitors.
He said Kenya currently receives about 2.7 million tourists annually and has set a target of reaching 5.5 million visitors by 2028.
Bitok also called on county governments to review levies imposed on hospitality businesses, arguing that high charges could discourage investment and expansion in the sector.
He said a more supportive business environment would help the North Rift and other regions develop tourism enterprises and create employment opportunities.
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