Kericho: The County Government of Kericho, through its Department of Trade, Industrialization, Innovation, Wildlife, and Tourism, has launched an ambitious plan to transform it into a top-tier tourist destination by partnering with local hoteliers and hospitality stakeholders.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a historic meeting held at the Kericho Anglican Church (ACK) Conference Hall and attended by over 40 hotel owners from across the county, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, John Cheruiyot, emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing the hospitality sector as a key economic driver.
“This is the first time we are convening such a forum with hotel owners, and we have had in-depth discussions on ways to elevate Kericho’s profile as a tourism hub. We’ve explored practical strategies to enhance hospitality services and create a more unified, attractive image for the county,” said Cheruiyot.
In an interview with Kenya News Agency, Cheruiyot confirmed that among the proposals discussed were the creation of a Kericho County Hoteliers caucus, an association that will bring together all hospitality providers to work collaboratively on industry standards, marketing, and development strategies.
Cheruiyot further revealed that the county is working towards establishing a dedicated tourism website that will centralize all information about Kericho’s hotels, attractions, cultural events, and travel services.
“This digital platform will allow both domestic and international visitors to plan their travel with ease and confidence because our goal is to uplift all hospitality facilities from small family lodges to established hotels and develop a clear strategic vision that drives growth,” noted Cheruiyot.
In a bid to professionalize the hospitality sector, the county plans to partner with institutions such as Kenya Utalii College to offer training and capacity-building programs, a move informed by lessons learned during high-profile events previously hosted by Kericho County, such as the Kericho Tea Conference and Mashujaa Day celebrations which revealed notable gaps in hospitality infrastructure and service delivery.
Mark Suge, a representative of Kericho Tea Hotel Ltd, welcomed the county government’s move, terming it a pivotal step in uniting hotel operators and unlocking the county’s untapped tourism potential.
“We appreciate the county’s role in making this forum possible; it marks the start of a transformative journey for Kericho’s hospitality sector, with stakeholders committing to raise standards, expand capacity, and enhance visitor experiences in a region known not only for its tea plantations and lush landscapes but also for its untapped natural and cultural attractions,” said Suge.
As Kericho lays the foundation for a vibrant tourism future, stakeholders are optimistic that with a united front, investment in training, and a shared vision, the county will soon emerge as a destination of choice for both local and international travelers.
“We want to ensure that every visitor to Kericho leaves with a lasting impression. By building a strong, collaborative hotel network and aligning our vision, we can redefine the county’s role in Kenya’s tourism map,” said Cheruiyot.
The county’s hospitality stakeholders are optimistic that with concerted effort and public-private partnerships, Kericho is poised to emerge not just as Kenya’s tea capital, but also as a beacon of sustainable tourism in the region.