Tourism

𝐔𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬; 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Kenya is steadily diversifying its tourism offering beyond the traditional beach and wildlife experiences to embrace agritourism, culture and heritage, adventure, eco-tourism, wellness and innovative travel experiences.

Technology is equally reshaping the tourism landscape, with digital transformation and artificial intelligence emerging as key drivers in connecting travellers to destinations, enhancing visitor experiences and enabling easier discovery and access to attractions.

The three-day East African regional expo provides tourism operators with a platform to showcase destinations, innovations, hospitality and emerging ventures driving the sector forward.

Leading the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano applauded devolved units for their efforts in positioning and promoting local attractions.

Led by CECM Irene Makau Mwilu Makueni is showcasing its natural attractions, hospitality industry, agritourism potential and travel agencies as part of its tourism and trade empowerment agenda.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hon. Susan Nsambu Nakawuki, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Republic of Uganda, alongside the Permanent Secretary and heads of State agencies in the tourism sector.

𝑵𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊, 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓 6𝒕𝒉, 2026 ~ Makueni is putting its tourism treasures in the spotlight as the 16th Magical Kenya Tourism Expo kicks off at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The three-day exhibition brings together tourism players to showcase destinations, products and experiences while opening doors for networking, partnerships and new business opportunities.

Leading Makueni’s charge is the Tourism Directorate, showcasing local hotels and hospitality operators, travel agencies, agritourism ventures and the county’s breathtaking landscapes.

Beyond showcasing its attractions, the expo offers Makueni businesses a chance to connect with new markets and grow.

The participation supports Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s economic empowerment agenda, placing entrepreneurship and enterprise growth at the heart of local development.

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Makueni turned the beauty of Chyulu Hills into a celebration of adventure, heritage and discovery as hikers, nature enthusiasts, revelers and local tourists gathered for World Tourism Day 2026, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Beyond its striking beauty, Chyulu is a landscape steeped in history, carrying the cultural heritage of the ancient Akamba sub-tribe of the Angulya, whose connection with the hills adds a rich human dimension to the destination.

The hills also tell a fascinating geological story, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, with distinctive lava formations and cave systems offering visitors a glimpse into the powerful natural forces that shaped the landscape.

Leading the event, Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Irene Makau Mwilu encouraged residents to discover Makueni’s attractions, noting that sustainable tourism can strengthen communities, create livelihoods and drive the local economy.

Together, nature, culture and geology proved that Chyulu Hills is more than a scenic destination; but a living tourism experience where every trail, cave and hill reveals another chapter of Makueni’s story.

Beyond Chyulu, Nzaui, Kivale and Mbui Nzau Hills offer further opportunities for hiking, recreation and therapeutic tourism, positioning Makueni as a destination to discover.

The event was also attended by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, hospitality practitioners and government officers among other stakeholders.

Makueni County on Wednesday evening shone on the national stage after clinching the Emerging Tourism Destination award at the 2nd Annual Kenya Tourism Awards Gala, marking a landmark achievement that highlights the county’s rapid rise in the tourism sector.

The award was received by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Waziri Nicholas Nzioka alongside Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, in celebration of Makueni County’s bold investments in tourism marketing, destination development and strong public–private partnerships that are steadily transforming the county into a vibrant and attractive destination for revellers.

The gala was graced by PS for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, who highlighted tourism as a vital pillar of Kenya’s economy and called on counties to boldly market their distinctive attractions to unlock greater growth in the sector.

Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Makueni County is steadily carving out its place as a competitive tourism destination.

The awards, spanning various categories in the tourism sector, seek to spotlight and strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic growth and local development.

Chaimu Hill, rising boldly within Tsavo West National Park, is a striking standalone mound formed long ago from volcanic eruptions. It’s made of hardened lava rocks and ash, giving it its unique black colour.

Its smooth, steep sides and bare surface make it an unmistakable landmark visible from great distances, almost as if it calls out to every traveller who passes nearby.

Its name, Chaimu, comes from the local word ‘aimu,’ meaning spirits. For generations, the Angulya community held the hill as sacred ground.

They believed it was a place where ancestral spirits revealed divine guidance.

Its barren nature, unable to support plant life, was seen as a sign of spiritual presence. The hill also served as a watchtower, offering clear views to spot approaching visitors or enemies.

Although the community later moved due to wildlife conservation, Chaimu remains alive with meaning.

Today, Chaimu is one of Makueni’s unique tourist attractions. Visitors come to hike its dramatic slopes, enjoy quiet moments of reflection and experience the blend of science, cultural heritage and open-air adventure that the hill naturally offers.

‘Destination Makueni’ is an e-platform designed to make exploring the county simple, exciting, and stress-free.

Tourists and visitors are able to search for their favorite spots with ease—getting directions, distances, prices and extra details all in one place.

From hotels, tour operators, taxi services, cultural centers and scenic hills to game parks, the platform brings Makueni’s gems to your fingertips.

The platform has become one of the key highlights showcased at the ongoing MagicalKenya Tourism Expo 2025 in Nairobi, attracting wide attention.

While attending the expo, Trade and Tourism CECM Doc Sonia Nzilani urged visitors to explore the county’s unique beauty through the Destination Makueni platform.

With easy bookings and access to attractions, Destination Makueni is not only selling the county’s beauty but also boosting trade, creating jobs, and empowering local residents through tourism.

Makueni County is blessed with breathtaking hills that rise gracefully over the landscape, offering therapeutic nature walks, fresh air and unforgettable adventure.

From the iconic Nzaui Hill, the lush Chyullu ranges, the legendary Mbui Nzu Hill, to the tranquil Mbooni and Makuli hills, the county boasts secure and serene hiking destinations for both domestic and international explorers.

These natural treasures not only provide scenic beauty but also peace of mind, making them perfect escapes for adventurers and wellness seekers.

At the MagicalKenya Expo 2025, Makueni’s Tourism Directorate is marketing these attractions to the world, highlighting efforts to brand the county as a top travel destination.

Through tourism marketing, residents benefit economically when visitors explore, stay and transact business in the county, turning natural beauty into shared prosperity.

The Magical Kenya Expo is the country’s leading tourism trade fair, running from 1st to 3rd October at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event brings together tourism players to market Kenya as a top travel destination.

During this year’s Expo, Makueni County is showcasing its vibrant tourism sector with hoteliers, tour companies, service providers and creative wood sculptors participating.

The County Tourism Department has been keen on promoting local sites, supporting guides and uplifting hospitality businesses to attract more visitors.

This year’s expo, themed ‘Creating Business Opportunities Through Tourism’, provides a platform to unlock new markets and partnerships.

By participating, Makueni County showcases itself as an attractive destination for both local and international travelers, boosting its profile in the tourism sector.

The participation also aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s vision of empowering residents through economic growth driven by tourism.