STATE OWNED TOURISM FUND ENGAGES LREB COUNTIES HOSPITALITY PLAYERS

The Chairperson of the State owned Tourism Fund (TF) Mr Samson Kipkoech Some convened a stakeholder engagement on levy collection, tourism promotion & product development and stakeholder collaboration for Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties.

Flanked by the Fund’s Board Members, Mr Some recognised the importance of hospitality and tourism industry in driving economic growth, generating employment opportunities and promoting cultural exchange.

During the meeting, the need to include Air Bed and Breakfast (Airbnb) in the bracket of levy payers was deliberated where the Chairman urged stakeholders to capitalise on the potential of the sector.

Tourism Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Mr Patrick Bucha who represented Cabinet Secretary Hon. Alfred Mutua recognised the immense efforts carried out by various stakeholders led by County Governments in identifying, developing and marketing tourism products hence attracting more support from the National Government and other development partners.

The Counties were represented by Kisumu County CECM for Sports, Tourism, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Hon. Beatrice Odongo who on behalf of the LREB Chairman Prof. Anyang Nyong’o welcomed the Board Members in the region.

The private sector players were led by Mr. Robinson Anyal (Chairman), Rev. William Owuya (Vice Chairman) who is also the Kakamega County CBEF Secretary and National Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee at the KNCCI and CEO of Lake Victoria Tourism Association (LVTA) Charles Kataro.

To strengthen the association’s activities, Tourism Fund extended Kshs 1 Million support towards the planned Annual General meeting scheduled for mid next month in Kakamega County, a forum that is expected to bring together more than 500 Regional industry players.