Mr Najib Balala, Kenya Minister of Wildlife and Tourism
Kenya has appointed a new minister for tourism who has first-hand experience of the industry.

The appointment of Najib Balala raises hopes that the revival of the country’s tourism business will be put back at the top of the new government’s agenda. Balala was included in a new cabinet announced on Sunday as the country hosted 204 journalists from around the world on a mega-fam press trip.

The week-long press visit was the first stage of the Kenya tourist board's strategy to boost its tourism market after a decline caused by recent political strife.

Balala is originally from the coast and represents one of Mombasa’s constituencies. He has previously worked in his family travel business.

Key players in Kenya tourism believe this frontline experience will help him in his new role. Rose Kwena, corporate affairs and PR manager for the Kenya tourist board, was ecstatic when Balala’s appointment was announced.

“Balala is the best thing that has happened to Kenya tourism at a difficult time like this,” she said. “He comes from Mombasa and 60% of Kenya’s tourism activities are concentrated on the coast.”

Other players in the Kenyan tourism industry agreed that Balala was the right man for the job. Tasneem Adamji, managing director of ground-handlers African Quest, said: “Kenya had the challenge of appointing a minister who understands the nitty gritty of the tourism industry. We believe Balala knows this first hand. We won't be looking to convert him.'”

Robert Nyaga, marketing director of Ostrich Holidays Adventures, which sells safaris to US and European clients, added: “Balala has the necessary knowledge about tourism and he is willing.”