Trans Nzoia County joined the rest of the world in marking this year’s World Tourism Day with celebrations held at the Kitale Museum.

The event, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: An Agent of Positive Change,” brought together county leaders, tourism stakeholders, and residents to reflect on ways of promoting tourism while safeguarding the environment.

To emphasize sustainability, the Department of Tourism organized a cycling and walking procession to various sites. Dozens of participants, including officials and residents, pedaled through Kitale town streets on bicycles, symbolizing the county’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly tourism.

County Secretary Madam Truphosa Amere said the day was an opportunity for Trans Nzoia to showcase its diverse tourism offerings.

“Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to showcase what Trans Nzoia has to offer in terms of sites and attractions. This county is richly endowed, cosmopolitan in culture, diverse in biodiversity, and for the last two years, many hotels and restaurants have opened their doors,” she noted.

Amere further assured residents that the County government is committed to improving facilities.

“His Excellency the Governor has set aside funds to renovate the Museum and expand the number of animals and other species,” she added.

On his part, the CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Eliud Tormoi, emphasized the importance of positioning the county as a tourism hub.

“Trans Nzoia has so many sites that should tell the world it is a true home of tourism. Sustainable transformation of tourism in Kenya must appreciate cultural richness,” he said.

Tormoi added that the county plans to partner with other North Rift counties to create a tourism circuit.

“We must align our hotels and resorts to meet modern standards while still appreciating our culture,” he remarked.

Chief Officer for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism, Madam Jane Wachwenge, applauded the innovation of using bicycles as part of the celebrations and urged young people to play a bigger role in shaping tourism.

“Our youth are at the center of this transformation. When they embrace sustainable practices like cycling and eco-friendly tourism, they not only protect our environment but also create opportunities for future generations,” she said.

Tourism Director Catherine Kerubo highlighted the environmental benefits of sustainable tourism practices.

“There is a lot of emission coming from vehicles. As a department, we chose to encourage the use of bikes and walking to avoid pollution and protect our environment,” she said.

The event concluded with a call to residents to embrace local tourism by visiting the county’s natural, cultural, and historical sites.

Leaders underscored that sustainability will be at the heart of future tourism growth in Trans Nzoia. In addition, various hotels and tourism stakeholders partnered with the county government to commemorate the day.

The cycling and walking procession also made stopovers at Katakala, Grand Tenacity, Saiwa Resort, West Side Hotels, and Super Break Hotels, where hoteliers showcased the services and experiences they offer visitors.