Kenya engages global PR firm to promote tourism investments

Kenya said on Thursday it has appointed a global PR agency Grayling to support the government's strategy for the recovery and revival of tourism and inward investment in Kenya.

Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie said Grayling is part of the Huntsworth Group which is the third largest public relations company in the world and brings global access to key markets critical to Kenya's recovery.

"Kenya is enduring very difficult times brought about by a problem affecting cities and countries across the world. Our tourism sector is particularly affected," Kandie said in Iten, Western Kenya during the launch of regional tourism and investment initiatives.

"The profound nature of this problem cannot be overstated and as a government, we are well aware of the importance of confronting the key issues and restoring our reputation as Africa' s number one visitor destination," Kandie said.

She said Grayling will promote Kenya's potential globally and assist the government in communicating its message effectively both regionally and internationally.

"We have international support across a range of issues, but it is critical that we also have alongside us an experienced partner like Grayling, who can mobilise their global network to ensure that our message is communicated effectively to every corner of the world," the CS said.

With its unparalleled wealth of natural history, environmental diversity, economic potential and amazing people, Kandie said Kenya is and always will be one of the world's most exceptional tourist destinations and provides unmatched investment opportunities.

The country's tourism has suffered a decline the number of tourists arriving since September 2011 when the Somali militant group, the Al-Shabaab, carried out the kidnappings of tourists in the Lamu archipelago and the kidnapping of the Spanish volunteers.

A string of attacks including frequently travel warnings by some Western countries have dented recovery efforts as more visitors keep off the coastal region which has tourist attraction sites.

Grayling CEO for Middle East and Africa, Loretta Ahmed, said there is no doubt that Kenya has suffered serious blows to its tourist industry and global reputation over the past 18 months.

"It is distressing to see one of the world's most vibrant tourist economies facing such challenges," Ahmed said.

Grayling will work with the Ministry, Kenya Tourist Board, KenInvest, Brand Kenya and Kenya International Conference Center (KICC) to promote an image of Kenya that both addresses the key concerns and attracts regional and international visitors back to this most special country. Endi