Tourism Secretary Phyllis Kandie has expressed concerns over Kenya‘s dependence on European markets. She said Kenya exports 60 per cent of its produce to Europe and 26 per cent to East African Community countries.

“We intend to diversify our export market to include the Middle East and India. We should increase our export value to East African countries,” Kandie said. She said the East African Community has been rated as the most successful and fastest growing regional block in Africa.

Kandie was speaking at the Great Rift Valley Lodge during a governors’ meeting. Only Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka was present. The CS said her ministry is ready to work with county governments.

She said devolution created 47 economic centres that will contribute towards the national economy growth. Kandie said Kenya is committed to moving away from dependence on beach and game-based tourism to more diversified products.

“If we partner with the objective of building greater synergy, we shall achieve greater success for our country,” she said. Kandie said depending on few markets has put Kenya at risk, hence the need to diversify export markets.

Kakamega Tourism executive Robert Sudi, who represented Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, called for collaboration between the county and national governments in addressing the challenges.

Source URL: The Star

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