Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, encouraged visiting delegates to spend all their money touring the country, stating that the government needed their foreign exchange.
Speaking during the second day of the International Association of Science Parks & Areas of Innovation (IASP) 41st conference in Nairobi, Gachagua marketed the country’s holiday destinations.
“Make sure at the end of the conference, you spend to the last coin. We need that foreign exchange. As you board the plane back, you have left some money back at home. Leave whatever you have with us,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua markets holiday destinations
The deputy president also took time to market holiday destinations in the country, urging the delegates to explore the sandy beaches at the coast and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
“As you came here from the various destinations, you carried some money in terms of foreign currency; either with a visa card or in cash. Please don’t go back with that money,” Gachagua emphasised.
Adding: “Don’t leave this country before taking a trip to the Maasai Mara- the eighth wonder of the world to enjoy the abundance of our wildlife: The lion, the cheetah, the elephant, the buffalo, the rhino; how can you possibly go back to your country before going to see those animals?”
He also urged the visiting delegates to travel to the coast and enjoy the beaches in Mombasa, South and the North coasts.
“Take a chance to fly to Mombasa; we have beautiful coastal beaches with white sand and there is a lot of sunbathing. Don’t just go back to Europe and America and Asia. You must get a chance to interact with the Maasai morans and enjoy their beautiful dances. Those Maasais kill lions with their bare hands. You need to see them,” Gachagua added.
Free entry to parks
This comes after the government waived entry fees for people intending to visit the Maasai Mara and other parks in the country on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano confirmed the latest saying the move will promote and encourage local tourism across the country in celebration of the United Nations World Tourism Day 2024.
“In our bid to promote and encourage local tourism, a momentous opportunity is here! Mark the date,” she wrote on her official X account.
