Kenya to promote archaeological tourism after oldest stone tools discovered

Kenya will intensify diversification into archeological tourism after the discovery of the world's oldest stone tools in Turkana county in northwest region, officials said on Friday.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said the government will promote conservation of historical sites to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

"Discovery of the world's oldest stone tools has reaffirmed Kenya's enviable position as the cradle of mankind. The government will focus on historical sites as diversification of tourism intensifies," Ndegwa told journalists in Nairobi.

He spoke during the unveiling of the world's oldest stone tools, dating back 3.3 million years ago, that were discovered this week in Lake Turkana basin by a team of Kenyan and French scientists.

Kenya's tourism sector has experienced a slump occasioned by insecurity and competition from other markets in Africa. Ndegwa said archeological treasures located in different parts of the country have resonated with tourists.

"We now have an impetus to showcase diverse tourism products to the world. The discovery of the world's oldest stone tools is a statement of endorsement on our rich archeological heritage," Ndegwa told Xinhua.

Tourism arrivals in Kenya hit an all-time low early this quarter following a spate of terrorist attacks in the country.

Statistics from KTB indicates that bed occupancy in hotels in the coastal region declined by 50 percent due to travel advisories issued by traditional source markets in the West.

Ndegwa said the government has partnered with industry to reclaim the tourism sector in the face of insecurity.

"We have embarked on a publicity blitz targeting key markets in Europe, Asia and Middle East. The government has raised surveillance levels in hotels and tourist attraction sites," he said. Endi