By John Kariuki
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has called for the integration of meaningful training programs into Kenya’s socioeconomic development framework, emphasizing their role in the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Miano lauded the institution’s technical training programs, which align with the government’s efforts to empower youth and promote sustainable economic growth.
“It’s gratifying that the technical training programs taught at this institution seek to promote the Government’s BETA principle,” said Miano. “The graduates we’ve released today are a treasured resource in the tourism and wildlife sectors. Moreover, training programs in fisheries and aquatic sciences undertaken here directly advance agriculture and MSMEs economies, which are key pillars of BETA.”
Recognizing the financial challenges that often hinder access to education, the CS highlighted the Ministry’s recent launch of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund, managed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). This initiative, funded through the Tourism Fund, aims to provide more opportunities for aspiring and continuing students to access quality training at WRTI.
“The Tourism Training Revolving Fund is designed to address the competing needs that deny many young Kenyans the chance to pursue education,” Miano explained. “We want to ensure that aspiring and continuing students who wish to serve in the tourism and wildlife sectors have access to the financial support they need to achieve their dreams.”
The CS underscored the critical role that skilled professionals play in driving the tourism and wildlife sectors, which are key contributors to Kenya’s economy. By investing in institutions like WRTI and empowering young Kenyans with the skills they need, the government seeks to solidify its commitment to socioeconomic inclusion and sustainable development.
Miano’s remarks resonated with the graduates and attendees, inspiring hope for a brighter future in Kenya’s tourism, wildlife, and related sectors. As the country continues to champion transformative policies and programs, institutions like WRTI are poised to remain at the forefront of training the next generation of industry leaders.