Kisumu county has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on a two-year programme aimed at increasing women’s participation in the tourism sector.
Deputy Governor Mathew Owili said the partnership will equip women with skills, opportunities and support to participate in tourism value chains, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable destination development.
Owili said the initiative marks a significant step towards building an inclusive and resilient tourism sector in the county.
“This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to building an inclusive and resilient tourism sector by empowering women with the skills, opportunities and support they need to participate meaningfully in tourism value chains,” he said.
He spoke on Tuesday during the official launch of the Kisumu Tourism Fiesta at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex.
The fiesta, running from September 22 to 26, has brought together tourism players, exhibitors, partners and visitors to showcase Kisumu’s culture, heritage, cuisine, creativity and natural attractions.
Owili said the county is positioning tourism as a key pillar of its economic development agenda because of its potential to create jobs, attract investment, preserve culture and generate opportunities for communities.
He said Kisumu’s hospitality industry has grown significantly over the past nine years, with increased investment in hotels, resorts, conference facilities, restaurants, entertainment venues and waterfront experiences.
The growth, he said, has strengthened Kisumu’s position as a destination for business, leisure and conference tourism. The county now regularly hosts regional conferences, international forums, sporting championships and cultural events.
Kisumu is also expected to host more than 10,000 participants from across the country next month during the seventh County Assemblies Sports Association Games.
Owili said the county is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading Lake Victoria tourism and Blue Economy hub by tapping into the lake’s potential.
He said the county is also promoting cultural and heritage tourism through attractions such as Kit Mikayi, museums, cultural villages and Luo traditions.
Kit Mikayi, a 120-metre rock formation, is regarded as an important spiritual and historical site. Its recognition as a UNESCO cultural heritage site has helped raise Kisumu’s profile internationally.
Owili said the county is also investing in the creative economy, including through a music recording and production studio established at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre.
The facility is expected to support young artists, musicians and content creators to produce and market their work to regional and international audiences.
The deputy governor said the fiesta is intended to showcase Kisumu’s diversity while positioning the county as a gateway to Western Kenya and the wider Lake Victoria Basin.
“Welcome to Kisumu, the heartbeat of the lake region,” Owili said.
Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry and Marketing executive Farida Salim said the event provides an opportunity for residents and partners to celebrate the county’s tourism potential.
She thanked partners supporting Tourism Week, saying their contribution has been critical in making the event possible.
The Kenya Wildlife Service said it is working with the county to diversify tourism products in the Lake Basin and improve visitor experiences.
KWS assistant director Hussein said the agency is developing products such as nature trails, birdwatching and other activities on islands within the lake.
At the Impala Sanctuary, he said, KWS is also introducing and improving activities, including picnics and birdwatching, to attract visitors throughout the year.
“We are also trying to diversify tourism products within the Lake Basin so that we can attract more visitors to the area and improve revenue and the livelihoods of local communities,” he said.
The county has lined up a series of activities during Tourism Week, including exhibitions, cultural performances, a youth symposium, a media familiarisation tour, cycling and motorsports.
On Wednesday, cyclists participating in the Moire Festival are expected to be flagged off as part of efforts to promote wellness tourism.
A youth symposium sponsored by Alliance in Sales will also be held at the Mama Grace Cultural Centre.
On September 24, the county will host cultural performances featuring different communities, including the Luo, Nubian and Somali communities.
On September 25, journalists will tour health facilities, including Kirby and Lion Eye Hospital, to showcase innovations before proceeding to Victoria Island for a tour.
Tourism Week will culminate in a motorsports event on September 26, when professional drivers will showcase their skills.
The event is supported by Algus Lane Motors, Great Lakes University of Kisumu and Motor Equipment and Motor Club.
Salim said the activities are designed to showcase Kisumu’s diversity and encourage residents to participate in the county’s tourism economy.
She urged residents to attend the exhibitions and other activities, saying tourism presents opportunities for businesses and communities across the county.
