Dept of Trade, Tourism, Industrial Devpt and Investments

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through a contracted consultant, is rolling out the National Tourism Products and Experiences Mapping Programme across all 47 counties.

Phase II is now underway, with Embu County featured in the Central Kenya Circuit. The initiative will digitally map and showcase tourism assets, boosting visibility, accessibility, and destination marketing.

During a courtesy call, Chief Officer Trade and Tourism, Mr. Benjamin Wamalwa, emphasized the need for strong national–county collaboration to unlock Embu’s full tourism potential.

The meeting was attended by the Director of Tourism, Ms. Virginia Ngugi, Director of Trade, Mr. Anthony Sawaya, the Tourism Officer, and officials from the State Department for Tourism led by Mr. David Kinyangi, Director Planning and Strategy.

This programme positions Embu County for enhanced recognition and competitiveness in both domestic and international tourism markets.

Last Friday, the Department of Trade, Tourism, Investment, Industrial Development and Marketing was blessed to host Reverend Richard Lipesa, Deputy Senior Pastor at CITAM Embu.

The Reverend, who was accompanied by Rogers, a sound engineer at CITAM, had visited the department to deliver a letter. However, they graciously took time to engage with members of staff led by the CECM, Mr. Elijah Mugo. Also present were Mr. Benjamin M***a, Chief Officer for Trade and Tourism, Mr. Anthony Sawaya, Director for Trade, and Ms. Virginia Ngugi, Director for Tourism.

The department appreciates the pastoral blessings and prayers shared during the visit

EMBU COUNTY TAPS EDUCATION TOURISM TO BOOST GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Embu County is positioning itself as a hub for education tourism following a high-level visit by an international French-speaking delegation on March 5, 2026.

The delegation was received by the County Executive Committee Member (CECm) for Trade, Tourism, Investment, Industry Development and Marketing, Mr. Elijah Mugo, marking his first international engagement since assuming this particular office. He was accompanied by Chief Officer Benjamin Mutisya and Directors Virginia Ngugi (Tourism) and Anthony Sawaya (Trade). The Department of Education was represented by Deputy Director Alvin Ruku on behalf of CECm Ms. Monica Mwikali.

The visiting team, working with renowned Human Rights Lawyer at the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. Chris Mburu, is largely behind the Mamre French-Speaking Village initiative in Siakago. The project follows the success of the Mitahato French-Speaking Village in Kiambu (Mburu's homeland) and is part of his broader efforts to promote language learning, cultural exchange and educational empowerment in Kenya.

The Mamre French-Speaking Village initiative in Siakago - launched on June 12, 2025 in Ferney-Voltaire, France - is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration in education, tourism and investment within Embu County; and is an initiative of Ms Jane Murekio, a resident of Cianyi - Siakago, in partnership with Mitahato.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Mugo emphasized that education tourism presents a unique opportunity to attract international learners, scholars and cultural exchange programmes while boosting the local economy.

He noted that Embu County boasts diverse tourism attractions that can complement educational exchange programmes, including mountaineering expeditions to the peaks of Mt. Kenya and wildlife experiences at the Mwea Game Reserve.

The county government is committed to working with international partners such as the Mitahato and Mamre Initiatives to promote cultural understanding, language learning and global partnerships.

The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on potential collaboration between Embu County and the visiting delegation in areas of tourism promotion, education exchange and investment opportunities.

The Department of Trade, Investment, Tourism, Industrial Development and Marketing held a successful team-building session to officially welcome the new CECM, Mr. Elijah Mugo, into the department.

The event brought together the Chief Officer – Trade and Tourism, Mr. Benjamin Mutisya Wamalwa; Chief Officer – Industrial Development, Investment and Marketing, Ms. Maureen Mukami; Director Trade, Mr. Anthony Sawaya; Director Tourism, Ms. Virginia Ngugi; Director Industrial Development, Mr. Dominic; alongside all departmental staff, demonstrating unity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to service delivery.

The department also warmly welcomed Director Marketing, Ms. Mercy Mongo (in absentia), and formally received Director Industrial Development, Mr. Dominic, as they officially joined the team.

The day featured engaging team-building activities designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. Staff also prepared and shared a meal together — enjoying mbuzi in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that further fostered team spirit.

In his remarks, CECM Elijah Mugo emphasized teamwork, dedication, and sustaining the strong culture that defines the department. He underscored the importance of innovation, accountability, and delivering quality, impactful services to the people.

It's with great honour that we welcome you all to our Jamhuri Week 2025 celebrating Kenya’s transformation through Tourism, Wildlife & Meetings, Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE)

It will be a great week to explore, experience and celebrate our nation’s beauty, innovation and cultural pride. 🇰🇪
Tembea Kenya.

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