The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has underscored the role of the youth in contributing to the sustainability of the tourism sector.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano says the emerging interest among the youth to participate in tourism-related enterprises foreshadows hope for greater and more meaningful contributions to Kenya’s economy.
The CS, who also serves as the patron of the East Africa Future Leaders Challenge, made the statement in her office ahead of her hosting of over 140 young leaders from across East Africa during the inaugural East Africa Future Leaders Challenge (EA FLC), scheduled for 28th and 29th April 2025 at Strathmore University in Nairobi.
“The youth are not just the future; they are the present. Their creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives are integral in driving sustainable tourism development in Kenya and across the region. The Future Leaders Challenge is a great catalyst for equipping our youth with the skills and vision to lead Africa’s tourism sector with purpose,” said Miano.
The high-level regional event brings together the young generation of tourism professionals, policy influencers, and change-makers under one platform to inspire growth and resilience in the industry.
CS Miano also emphasised the vital role youth must play in steering the sector toward innovation and resilience.
“As we forge forward, there is a need to align the quality and scope of training with the future of this ever-evolving industry. As we gather here, we need to commit to building stronger bridges between the classroom and the boardroom. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the next generation of leaders in this sector is equipped with the skills, mindset, and global perspectives that will afford us the tools necessary for a dynamic global industry,” noted the CS
The East Africa Future Leaders Challenge (EA FLC) is part of the MEA Future Leaders Platform, the region’s foremost initiative dedicated to creating a dynamic and collaborative community that tackles emerging challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The 2025 conference theme “Towards a Sustainable Human Capital Strategy for Hospitality and Tourism in East Africa” reflects on a growing consensus that young people are not only the future of the industry but also its present drivers of transformation. By leveraging youth talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem that speaks to local needs and global standards.
“Globally, the youth make up more than 50% of the tourism workforce, according to UN Tourism. In areas such as tour guiding, hospitality services, airline operations, and hotel management, youth form the backbone of the industry. For instance, over 60% of hotel front-line staff and customer-facing roles are held by individuals under the age of 35, and youth represent a significant portion of employment in tourism-dependent regions across Africa and the world,” noted the CS.
The Government of Kenya has rolled out a series of strategic initiatives aimed at equipping the youth with leadership and entrepreneurial skills. These include targeted internship and mentorship programmes, capacity-building partnerships and the integration of green tourism principles in youth training programmes.
The ministry is also working closely with the private sector to create pathways for student-to-industry transition and regional talent mobility.
“We believe in breaking down borders—of geography, opportunity, and mind-set. By promoting regional talent mobility, we are opening doors for our youth to gain cross-cultural experience, compete on a continental level, and build careers that uplift not just communities but entire economies,” CS Miano added.
