Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) Independent Director Mulki Warsame Mohamed joined tourism stakeholders in Garissa in an effort to promote the county as an emerging destination beyond Kenya’s traditional tourism circuits.
Mrs Warsame took part in activities held as part of World Tourism Day under the Make It Kenya nation-branding platform.
The engagement brought together county officials, hospitality operators, conservancy managers, community representatives and tourism partners.
They discussed Garissa’s hospitality sector, community conservancies, cultural heritage and riverine landscapes, with participants calling for stronger destination marketing and greater community participation.
Mrs Warsame, the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Garissa Woman Representative candidate, said the engagement also examined opportunities to position Garissa as part of a wider northern tourism circuit.
Stakeholders highlighted the Tana River ecosystem, Somali cultural heritage, community wildlife initiatives and emerging hospitality facilities.
“Tourism development could create opportunities for local communities, particularly women and young people, through guiding, accommodation, cultural experiences, crafts, food and other hospitality-related enterprises,” she said.
KEPROBA’s mandate includes branding Kenya and promoting the country as a destination for tourism, trade and investment.
Mrs Warsame, a Garissa County women leader, emphasised the diversity of Kenyan destinations and experiences beyond the country’s established safari and coastal circuits.
“Stronger marketing would, however, need to be accompanied by investment in infrastructure, security, product development and consistent destination storytelling,” she said.
Community-led conservation initiatives were also cited as a way for tourism to generate local economic benefits while supporting wildlife and environmental conservation.
Mrs Warsame is a human resource professional with more than 15 years of government service. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Human Resource Option) from the East African University and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management from ABMA, UK.
The tourism engagement brought together her national role at KEPROBA and local discussions on how tourism can contribute to Garissa’s economic development.
Participants said collaboration between the county government, national agencies, private-sector players and local communities will be critical in turning Garissa’s cultural, environmental and hospitality assets into marketable tourism experiences.
They called for sustained promotion and partnerships to increase Garissa’s visibility on Kenya’s domestic and international tourism map.
