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| ourism CS Rebecca Miano and culinary sector players (l) during the “Ladha Za Afrika” contest in Nairobi. Miano (r) speaking at a past meeting. |
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to work closely with stakeholders in the tourism sector to grow Kenya’s culinary tourism potential and attract more visitors to experience the country’s unique flavours. T CS Miano observed that as Kenya expands its tourism beyond wildlife safaris and beach experiences, it is necessary to encourage the sector to embrace and promote culinary tourism as part of cultural immersion. While at it, we must keep an eye on sustainable tourism and how Kenyan cuisine fits in. In doing so, we ought to create room for consumption of locally sourced, organic ingredients that showcase Kenya’s agricultural heritage,” said CS Miano.
Ladha za Afrika contest She spoke at the “Ladha za Afrika” contest held at the Boma International Hospitality College on Friday, October 18, in Nairobi County. Miano lauded the contest’s organizers, stating that it had come at the right time, as gastronomic tourism was taking root globally. “Traditionally, Kenya is home to nearly three and a half dozen communities with diverse palates and wide-ranging cuisine offerings. Sadly, pressures of modern-day living have made it difficult to keep alive many nourishing delicacies and dishes our progenitors enjoyed,” she stated. She reiterated that the “Ladha za Afrika” culinary contest is a timely trigger that will revive our yesteryear culinary habits and practices. “This will stimulate the broadening of the range of foods we consume and, hopefully, make us much healthier.
As I have just intimated, tourism offerings and products worldwide have been expanding by the day to include hitherto unexplored options, including cuisine. Indeed, several online culinary programmes from various parts of the world have become a big sensation all over,” the CS explained. Kenyan cuisine tourism initiatives According to CS Miano, culture expressed through food is taking centre stage in tourism circles. “In Kenya, Dennis Ombachi has a sizable global following courtesy of his online cookery jigs. Overall, Kenya is ready to seize the moment and stamp her command as a gastronomic tourism haven attracting the world to sample our local culinary delights,” said the CS.
CS Miano reiterated that her Ministry has supported initiatives that promote Kenyan cuisine locally and abroad through participation in international food fairs and the launch of culinary tourism campaigns. “In future, our Ministry will forge partnerships with progressive institutions like Boma International Hospitality College to amplify our food-based tourism. We shall get the most out of our cuisine tourism by supporting the imparting of superlative skills on our chefs, restaurateurs, food producers and farmers as the key cogs of Kenya’s unique Kenya’s food culture,” explained the CS. She exuded confidence that the “Ladha za Afrika” contest will eventually raise a generation of chefs who master the art of blending Kenyan traditional food cultures with modern cuisine crafts.
“This approach will ultimately make Kenya a culinary hub of global repute. Once the contours of Kenya’s culinary culture are fully formed, local communities will find jobs and markets for their produce as we preserve our cultural heritage,” said the CS. CS Miano further said that encouraging the development of young talent in the food industry is the way to go. Govt plan to grow tourism More than two million foreign tourists visited Kenya, earning the country KSh 352 billion by the end of December 2023. President William Ruto announced the introduction of a digital nomad work permit, projecting an increase in the number of tourists. Ruto said the work permit will allow foreigners to live and work in Kenya as they enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
by Wycliffe Musalia