Kenya’s tourism sector is accelerating its adoption of digital technology and artificial intelligence, with Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano calling for greater investment in innovation to sharpen the country’s competitiveness in the global market. Speaking at the University of Eldoret during the 2026 United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations, Miano said digital platforms are reshaping how travellers choose and experience destinations, and Kenya must embrace these tools to reach new markets and deliver more personalised services.
The national celebrations, held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” brought together government representatives, tourism investors, technology companies and community enterprises. Miano cited the launch of Safari Live, a partnership with Wild Earth, as an example of how digital platforms can showcase Kenya’s wildlife to global audiences. She also highlighted youth-led initiatives such as Hidden Gems, Tembea Kenya and Tembea North Rift, urging young Kenyans to seize opportunities as creators, entrepreneurs and innovators. AI-powered wildlife monitoring and smart agro-tourism applications developed by students and local start-ups were singled out as examples of the technology’s potential.
The event followed the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s strategic AI partnership with Google Kenya, announced in September 2026 under the Magical Kenya platform. The collaboration will deploy advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to attract high-value travellers from priority markets. A Tourism Pulse Data Hub will be developed on Google Cloud as a real-time dashboard drawing on global Google Search trends and brand sentiment, while a Gemini-powered trip planner will generate bespoke itineraries tailored to individual preferences. Google’s skilling programmes will equip youth and small tourism enterprises with specialised digital skills, and local curators will be trained to design experiences using Kenya’s digital assets on Google Arts and Culture.
Miano said the AI-first approach would help Kenya double international arrivals and increase revenue. “Adopting an AI-first approach allows us to move beyond traditional marketing and build a sophisticated digital infrastructure. This will position Kenya as Africa’s leading digitally enabled tourism destination,” she said. Alex Okosi, Managing Director for Google Sub-Saharan Africa, said the partnership would help create a more resilient and inclusive tourism economy. Kenya welcomed 7.9 million tourists in the period covered by recent figures, comprising 2.7 million international visitors and 5.2 million domestic travellers, generating approximately Sh500 billion in tourism revenue.
The government is also seeking to develop the North Rift as a new tourism circuit, with Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok saying Eldoret was chosen for the national celebrations to open up lesser-known destinations. Miano called for closer collaboration between national and county governments, neighbouring counties and the private sector to develop an integrated North Rift tourism circuit. The 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo is scheduled for October 6 to 8, 2026, in Nairobi under the theme “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism.”
