President William Ruto said the Government will exploit Kenya’s rich cultural heritage to diversify tourist attractions. |
The government is keen on promoting cultural tourism to generate more tourism revenues.
President William Ruto said the Government will exploit
Kenya's rich cultural heritage to diversify tourist attractions.
He argued that tourism is no longer just about sights and
sounds but also about the people.
He noted that the Government will partner with Counties to
support cultural preservation initiatives.
He cited the provision of funds for Maa Cultural Festival
that will be celebrated annually.
"Today's tourist is drawn to authentic cultural
experiences; therefore, today's tourism must meet a higher standard," he
said.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during the Maasai Cultural
Festival at Sekenanie Gate, Narok County.
He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Peninah Malonza
(Tourism) and Soipan Tuya (Environment), Governors Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok),
Joseph Lenku (Kajiado) and Jonathan Lati Leliliit (Samburu) and a host MPs.
He noted that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation has identified induction of boys ahead of initiation,
shaving of morans and meat-eating ceremony that marks entry into adulthood as
Intangible Cultural Items.
"I extend my gratitude to the Maasai community for
their unwavering commitment to the preservation of Maa traditions and culture.
Your resilience has given Kenya a global identity and enriched our nation's
cultural mosaic," he said.
The President said Government will start ceding 50 percent
of revenues from national parks to host communities as part of efforts to
transform their lives.
He said the move was aimed at benefiting host communities,
through projects aimed at uplifting their lives.
"I have directed that all revenues from our national
parks and game reserves should be divided equally between the host counties and
the national government," he said. - Presidential Communication Service