The PS State Department for Tourism, distinguished guests, esteemed nominees, corporate partners, tourism and hospitality industry leaders, members of the media and all our honored attendees—good evening and welcome to the Kenya Tourism Awards Gala.
It is a great privilege to stand before you tonight as we come together to celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience in our country’s tourism and hospitality industry. The Kenya Tourism Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony is a momentous occasion dedicated to recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions toward the growth and sustainability of our country’s tourism sector.
The journey to this night has been remarkable and inspiring. Since the National Breakfast Launch on 12th November 2024, we have witnessed overwhelming industry participation and enthusiasm. We received over 5,000 entries, covering 30 categories, spanning from hoteliers, airlines, tour operators, restaurants, conservationists, influencers and even counties, all eager to showcase their efforts in making Kenya a world-class tourism destination.
Our shortlisting process was extensive, conducted by a jury of experienced professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry, ensuring credibility and transparency. The public voting phase followed, drawing incredible engagement across the country and beyond. As of the close of voting, we had received thousands of votes, demonstrating the passion and commitment that Kenyans and industry stakeholders have towards recognizing and celebrating excellence in our sector.
Tonight, we crown this journey by celebrating the best among us—the trailblazers, pioneers and game-changers who have continuously elevated the standards of service, sustainability and innovation in our industry.
Tourism is a key pillar of our economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and community development. Beyond the numbers, tourism is about people and experiences—it is about the tour guides who bring our history to life, the hotel staff who create memorable stays, the travel companies that showcase our landscapes, the conservationists protecting our wildlife and the content creators who share Kenya’s beauty with the world.
Through the Kenya Tourism Awards, we aim to set new standards, encourage competition and drive innovation that positions Kenya as a top global destination. These awards are not just about recognition—they are about inspiration, motivation and paving the way for a thriving and sustainable tourism sector.
This event would not be possible without the support of our partners, sponsors and stakeholders who have believed in this vision and made tonight a reality. To our esteemed jury members, we thank you for your time and expertise in ensuring fairness and integrity in the selection process. To the media and communication partners, we appreciate your role in amplifying the message of Kenya’s tourism excellence.
To all the shortlisted nominees, congratulations! Making it to this stage is already a testament to your hard work and dedication. To our soon-to-be winners, this recognition is a celebration of your impact and contribution to the tourism industry.
As we honor tonight’s winners, let us not forget that the work does not end here. The Kenya Tourism Awards is not just about celebrating the best—it is about inspiring continuous improvement and collaboration. It is about ensuring that our tourism industry remains resilient, innovative, and sustainable for future generations.
This Gala Dinner is only the beginning. Throughout the year, we have lined up industry-focused initiatives, capacity-building programs and sustainability-driven projects aimed at fostering growth within the sector. We invite all of you to walk this journey with us as we take Kenya’s tourism to even greater heights.
As we begin this evening’s celebrations, I encourage you all to take this opportunity to network, engage and celebrate the achievements of our industry leaders.
Let us raise our glasses to a thriving and dynamic tourism industry, to Kenya and to the bright future that lies ahead!
Thank you, and I wish you all an incredible evening of celebration and inspiration.
SHARON BETT
Presiding Juror
SHEILA KAIME
Event Management Lead
VIVIAN MORAA
Public Relations Lead
COLLINS OYWAYA
Sustainability Lead
BRIAN KIVUTI
Tech Lead
JOB OGWENO
Creative Lead
KELVIN NDASSYA
Operations Lead
DEVOTAH BRIGHT
Partnerships Lead
WILLY M. TUVA
Media Relations
GEORGE MATOGO
Co-founder & Strategy Lead
HON. NAOMI NGATIA
Finance Lead
ALLAN NDEKWE
CEO & Co-Founder
