Foreigners know this country better than locals, says Tourism Fund boss

Kenya Tourism Fund Chairman Alphonse Kioko. [PHOTO: JOHN MUIA]

Kenya Tourism Fund Chairman has encouraged Kenyans to embrace local tourism during the December holidays.

Alphonse Kioko said that the country was healing from the Covid-19 pandemic and electioneering period that impacted on people's lives negatively.

"Let us uplift our economy by visiting and spending our holidays in the country. Enjoying a holiday is not about going abroad. Let us uplift the economy of our country by visiting our surroundings." He said.

He said that Kenya had hotels that offer services same as services that are offered outside the country and had tourism sites where people can spend holidays.

"Here in the country we have places where people can spend their holidays and prices are more pocket friendly. We are just healing from the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us save our pockets." He said.

Mr. Kioko who is the Chairman of Gelian and Semara Hotels said that most of the tourists who visit the country are more familiar with the surroundings than the people who live in those environs.

"You find most tourists know our surroundings better than we do. For instance, in Machakos we have four star hotels and tourism sites like Kyamwilu where water defies gravity. We also have other places in other parts of the Country. Our people need to know and visit these places." He said.